brace
noun
a support that steadies or strengthens something else
“he wore a brace on his knee”
two items of the same kind
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
Synonymspaireither of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material
a rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it
elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural)
an appliance that corrects dental irregularities
a carpenter's tool having a crank handle for turning and a socket to hold a bit for boring
Synonymsbitstocka structural member used to stiffen a framework
Synonymsbracing
verb
prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
Synonymspoisesupport or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace
“brace your elbows while working on the potter's wheel”
support by bracing
cause to be alert and energetic
“Coffee and tea stimulate me”
“This herbal infusion doesn't stimulate”
Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University
