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.

His eyes were very large and expressed a burning energy, as if he were nerving himself to a great feat, and the moment of action had arrived.

From The Guests Of Hercules by Bracker, M. Leone

It was a little as though Captain Charlie were nerving himself to say good-by to his old comrade.

From Helen of the Old House by Wright, Harold Bell

The wind ceased to blow; every sound was hushed as though Nature were nerving herself, silent for the throe, and our looks said, "In five minutes it will be down upon us."

From Two Trips to Gorilla Land and the Cataracts of the Congo Volume 1 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

Mrs. Timberlake turned slowly toward her, and Caroline was aware of a spasmodic stiffening of her figure, as if she were nerving herself for an outburst.

From The Builders by Glasgow, Ellen Anderson Gholson

The tracks moved straight on to the edge in great leaps; my heart quickened its beat as if I were nerving myself for a supreme effort.

From Secret of the Woods by Long, William Joseph