bracing

American  

[brey-sing] / ˈbreɪ sɪŋ /

adjective

1. strengthening; invigorating.

   This mountain air is bracing.

2. of, relating to, or serving as a brace.

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noun

1. a brace.

2. braces collectively.

   The bracing on this scaffold is weak.

3. material, as timber, used for braces.

bracing British  

/ ˈbreɪsɪŋ /

adjective

1. refreshing; stimulating; invigorating

   the air here is bracing

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noun

1. a system of braces used to strengthen or support

   the bracing supporting the building is perfectly adequate

Other Word Forms

• bracingly adverb
• bracingness noun

Etymology

Origin of bracing

First recorded in 1475–85; brace + -ing ¹ for the noun senses; brace + -ing ² for the adjective senses

Example Sentences

This past April, as the economy closed in on a soft landing, steep tariffs had forecasters bracing for a new surge in inflation.

From The Wall Street Journal

One of our more bracing memories is a lunch at the Cato Institute with a dozen or so of its scholars.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Bay Area’s coastline already is bracing for impact with a beach hazard warning in effect Thursday night through Saturday morning.

From Los Angeles Times

In the Ash Wednesday Mass, this bracing mandate is followed by a homily from the priest.

From The Wall Street Journal

Yosemite National Park is bracing for thousands of visitors who will descend on the area to see the setting sun illuminate a waterfall so that it looks like fire.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• invigorating
• refreshing