brace

Definition

• n. a support that steadies or strengthens something else
• n. either of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material
• n. a rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it
• n. elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural)

Word forms

Past tense

braced

Present participle

bracing

Past participle

braced

Third person singular

braces

Example sentences

1. n.

   The old tree needed a brace to support its heavy branches.

2. vt.

   She used a belt to brace the suitcase so it wouldn't open during the trip.

3. vi.

   Before the big game, the coach told the players to brace themselves for a tough match.

4. 计

   In programming, we often use a brace to group statements together.