brace
noun
something that holds parts together or in place, as a clasp or clamp.
had braced
-
past perfectof brace.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Zak previously said his family had braced themselves for an unsatisfying resolution to the case as authorities were "not very forthcoming with trying to speed things along".
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
Investors had braced in recent weeks for a higher-for-longer posture from the Fed, but this was sharper and reflected a committee inching from a watchful hold toward readiness to raise rates.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026
Investors, importers and others who had braced for a ruling on Wednesday morning were left disappointed, just as they were last Friday.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 14, 2026
The community had braced for high winds; Hebrew school had been canceled earlier.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 18, 2025
Mia and the rest of her classmates had braced themselves against Pauline’s questioning.
From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
