1. (

• brace ,
• poise

) prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult ;

2. (

• brace ,
• steady ,
• stabilize ,
• stabilise ,

) support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace; "brace your elbows while working on the potter's wheel" ;

3. (

• brace

) support by bracing ;

4. (

• stimulate ,
• arouse ,
• brace ,
• energize ,
• energise ,
• perk_up ,

) cause to be alert and energetic; "Coffee and tea stimulate me"; "This herbal infusion doesn't stimulate" ;

1. (

• braced

) positioned so as to be ready for confrontation or danger; "he stood to attention with his shoulders braced" ;

2. (

• braced ,
• buttressed

) held up by braces or buttresses ;