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

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

It plans to replace the timber work and deck bracing, as well as refurbish the ironwork and masonry to maintain it as a crossing for cyclists and pedestrians.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

“Princesses live there,” Laney stated, bracing her arms on Isa’s shoulders so she could get a better view.

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser

Related Words

• invigorating
• refreshing