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

The interactions are bracing but also a bit studied — the performers’ technique is more impressive than the story, which too often is merely a delivery device for misery disguised as searing truth.

From Los Angeles Times

That makes his candor all the more bracing, and refreshing, at a time when Democrats are struggling nationally to regain their footing and find a meaningful way forward.

From Los Angeles Times

Forest Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Park Service are also bracing for interruptions under the shutdown in addition to cuts this year.

From Los Angeles Times

Pointing out that Anderson hasn’t won a trophy yet despite 11 nominations, Katie Walsh says, “The bracing, electrifying and stunningly prescient ‘One Battle After Another’ feels like his moment.”

From Los Angeles Times

Fans welcomed the return of rap's "queen of chaos" as they dissected the album's bracingly honest lyrics.

From BBC

Related Words

• invigorating 
• refreshing