brace

BrE /breɪs/ AmE /breɪs/

verb / noun en → es

1 PREPARE [reflexive] B2

to prepare yourself mentally or physically for something difficult or unpleasant

prepararse, ponerse en guardia

  • brace yourself (for something)

Collocations brace yourself for the worst

  • She braced herself for the bad news.

    Se preparó para la mala noticia.

2 SUPPORT [transitive] B1

to support or strengthen something physically, especially to prevent it from moving or breaking

reforzar, sujetar, apoyar

  • brace something (against/with something)

Collocations brace the door against the wind

  • He braced the ladder against the wall.

    Él sujetó la escalera contra la pared.

3 EQUIPMENT [singular noun] B1

a piece of equipment that is used to support or strengthen something, especially in sports and construction

soporte, refuerzo, arnés

Collocations climbing brace

  • The climber used a climbing brace to support his weight.

    El escalador usó un arnés para soportar su peso.

4 POSTURE [intransitive] B2

to stand or sit in a particular way, especially to make yourself ready for something difficult or unpleasant

ponerse en guardia, adoptar una postura

  • brace (yourself)
  • She braced herself against the wall.

    Se puso en guardia contra la pared.

5 STRENGTHEN [transitive] B2

to make something stronger or more stable, especially by adding supports

reforzar, reforzar con soportes

  • brace something (with/against something)
  • The building was braced against the wind.

    El edificio fue reforzado contra el viento.

6 SHOCK [reflexive] C1

to be shocked or surprised by something unexpected, often in a negative way

quedarse sin aliento, sorprenderse

  • brace yourself (for something)
  • She braced herself for the shock of seeing him again.

    Se preparó para el impacto de verlo nuevamente.

7 MUSCLE [singular noun] C1

a muscle or group of muscles that helps to support a part of the body, especially in sports and construction

músculo de soporte, músculo estabilizador

Collocations core brace

  • The athlete used his core brace to stabilize himself.

    El atleta usó su músculo estabilizador para mantenerse estable.

8 EQUIPMENT [singular noun] B2

a piece of equipment that is used to support or strengthen something, especially in sports and construction

soporte, refuerzo, arnés

Collocations safety brace

  • The safety brace was essential for the climber's protection.

    El arnés de seguridad fue esencial para la protección del escalador.