bracing

[brey-sing]

adjective

1. strengthening; invigorating.

   This mountain air is bracing.

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

noun

1. a brace.

2. braces collectively.

   The bracing on this scaffold is weak.

3. material, as timber, used for braces.

bracing

/ ˈbreɪsɪŋ /

adjective

1. refreshing; stimulating; invigorating

   the air here is bracing

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bracing¹

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

Example Sentences

“Getting started early on with light, modified mobility, using the appropriate bracing for support, minimizes stiffness and allows for a gradual return to full activity,” he says.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Businesses that don’t work directly with the federal government are also bracing for a pullback in spending as the shutdown continues.

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Paramount employees separately are bracing for a steep round of layoffs, which is expected next month.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Employees at California’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory are bracing for layoffs as the U.S. government heads into its second week of a shutdown linked to a stalled budget agreement.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Universities in some parts of the UK are bracing for demonstrations on Tuesday, with students from London colleges planning a joint march in the capital.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• invigorating 
• refreshing