bracing
Americanadjective
-
strengthening; invigorating.
This mountain air is bracing.
-
of, relating to, or serving as a brace.
adjective
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of bracing
First recorded in 1475–85; brace + -ing 1 for the noun senses; brace + -ing 2 for the adjective senses
Explanation
Anything bracing is brisk and refreshing. A Mainer might consider a January swim in the Atlantic Ocean to be bracing, while her Floridian best friend may think she's crazy. You probably enjoy the bracing sea air when you're on a sailboat, or the bracing hike you take up the side of a mountain. In both cases, you're filled with energy and feel fortified by the experience. The adjective bracing comes from the verb brace and its figurative meaning, "to strengthen or comfort."
Vocabulary lists containing bracing
Wintry Words
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"The Witches" by Roald Dahl, Chapters 1–5
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Scythe
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The relationship could be evidence that investors are bracing for a pullback, Kochuba told MarketWatch.
From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026
The crisis comes with Asia bracing for a possible return of the El Nino weather phenomenon, which brings worldwide changes in winds, air pressure, and rainfall patterns.
From Barron's • May 8, 2026
Regional airports that relied on Spirit’s high-volume, low-cost routes are also bracing for disruption as competitors move to absorb stranded passengers.
From Salon • May 2, 2026
Even small actions, such as bracing your core before standing up or taking a step, can create this effect.
From Science Daily • May 1, 2026
The air was bracing, yet with a cold edge which made the travelers grateful for the cloaks Medwyn had given them.
From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
