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

She waited a moment, to see if she felt silly making such a racket, but she found it rather bracing, frankly.

Read more on Literature

Ridge closed his eyes, as if bracing for the news, even though he already knew what it was.

Read more on Literature

Wittgenstein’s central thesis is bold and bracing, while his gnomic aphorisms invite multiple, contradictory interpretations.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Having just finished yet another grueling October campaign, they are bracing for the long road required to get back.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The company has been bracing for the loss of sales for years.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• invigorating 
• refreshing