bracing

[ brey-sing ]

adjective

1. strengthening; invigorating:

   This mountain air is bracing.

2. of, relating to, or serving as a brace.

noun

1. a brace.
2. braces collectively:

   The bracing on this scaffold is weak.

3. material, as timber, used for braces.

bracing

/ ˈbreɪsɪŋ /

adjective

1. refreshing; stimulating; invigorating

   the air here is bracing

noun

1. a system of braces used to strengthen or support

   the bracing supporting the building is perfectly adequate

Derived Forms

• ˈbracingly, adverb

Other Words From

• bracing·ly adverb
• bracing·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bracing¹

First recorded in 1475–85; brace + -ing ¹ for the noun senses; brace + -ing ² for the adjective senses

Example Sentences

The University of California wants to enroll nearly 3,600 more California students in the next academic year but is bracing for a looming budget crunch that could make it difficult to pay for increased enrollment.

From Los Angeles Times

If so, then “All We Imagine as Light,” a visually bracing portrait of female friendship in Mumbai from Indian writer-director Payal Kapadia, deserves a look.

From Los Angeles Times

But even with the worst of the fire under control, officials are now bracing for what will undoubtedly be a long, difficult road for the community to rebuild and recover.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, as Trump prepares to return to the White House, state officials and environmental groups are bracing for the same sweeping environmental policy changes that characterized his first administration, as well as others that have been proposed more recently by former Trump aides and allies.

From Los Angeles Times

Now that the Republican nominee has won, scientists are bracing for the worst.

From Salon

Related Words

• invigorating
• refreshing