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

The gauge was last marked at around 29 points, a level that suggests options traders are bracing for daily moves of around 115 points, or 1.8%, for the S&P 500 over the coming month.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Investors are bracing for what comes next: a possible one-two punch of higher oil prices and higher-for-longer interest rates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

"Our analysis of nearly 10,000 patients reveals that simple, accessible therapies like knee bracing and water-based exercise outperform high-tech options like ultrasound. This could reshape clinical guidelines to focus on safer, lower-cost interventions."

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

Staff members at CNN are bracing for similar changes, including to the tone of its newscasts.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

She wrapped both hands around the neck of the fire extinguisher, bracing her body to swing.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older

Related Words

• invigorating
• refreshing