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

Another batch of records about Jeffrey Epstein is coming, possibly as soon as Friday—and the world of business and finance is bracing for the fallout.

From Barron's

Makers of PCs and other affected products are already bracing for a hit.

From The Wall Street Journal

One key to bracing for a potential layoff is overcoming the paralysis that tends to grip us when we sense trouble.

From The Wall Street Journal

Californians are bracing for monthly premiums on the Covered California exchange — a state portal for Obamacare coverage — to soar by 97% on average for 2026.

From Los Angeles Times

After four years of choppiness in the market for new stock offerings, bankers and investors are bracing for a slate of blockbuster listings in 2026—and wondering if the market can handle the torrent.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• invigorating
• refreshing