brace

(noun) a support that steadies or strengthens something else. Example: "He wore a brace on his knee."

(noun) two items of the same kind. Synonyms: couple, pair, twosome, twain, span, yoke, couplet, distich, duo, duet, dyad, duad.

(noun) a set of two similar things considered as a unit. Synonyms: pair.

(noun) either of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material.

(noun) a rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it.

(noun) elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural). Synonyms: suspender, gallus.

(noun) an appliance that corrects dental irregularities. Synonyms: braces, orthodontic braces.

(noun) a carpenter's tool having a crank handle for turning and a socket to hold a bit for boring. Synonyms: bitstock.

(noun) a structural member used to stiffen a framework. Synonyms: bracing.

(verb) prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult. Synonyms: poise.

(verb) support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace. Synonyms: steady, stabilize, stabilise. Example: "Brace your elbows while working on the potter's wheel."

(verb) support by bracing.

(verb) cause to be alert and energetic. Synonyms: stimulate, arouse, energize, energise, perk up. Examples: "Coffee and tea stimulate me." "This herbal infusion doesn't stimulate."