brace meaning and examples

2025-08-23

Meaning

Brace has several meanings depending on context:

  • Verb: to prepare yourself or make something stronger, especially for something difficult, unpleasant, or impactful.
  • Noun: a device that supports or holds something firmly (e.g., dental braces, a knee brace). It can also mean a pair of something (e.g., “a brace of ducks”).

Grammar and Usage

  • Verb (transitive/intransitive): Brace (oneself) for something: to prepare mentally or physically for something. Brace something: to strengthen or support.

  • Noun: Refers to a physical support or a pair.

Typical patterns:

  • brace sb/oneself for sth
  • brace against sth
  • wear a brace

Common Phrases

  • Brace yourself → Prepare for something challenging or surprising.
  • Brace for impact → Get ready for a crash or sudden shock.
  • Knee brace / back brace → Medical support device.
  • A brace of… → A pair of animals or objects.

Collocations

  • Verb + brace: brace yourself, brace the structure, brace the wall.
  • Noun + brace: knee brace, dental brace, back brace.
  • Brace + noun: brace position, brace of pheasants.

Examples

  1. She had to brace herself for the bad news.
  2. The passengers were told to brace for impact before landing.
  3. He wore a knee brace after injuring himself during the game.
  4. The workers braced the wall to prevent it from collapsing.
  5. She took a deep breath and braced herself for the interview.
  6. The dentist tightened his braces last week.
  7. A brace of rabbits ran across the field.
  8. You need to brace the door with a chair to keep it shut.
  • Verb: prepare, steady, strengthen, support, reinforce.
  • Noun: support, prop, reinforcement, pair, couple.