braces

Noun

• an appliance that corrects dental irregularities
• a support that steadies or strengthens something else
• two items of the same kind
• a set of two similar things considered as a unit
• either of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material
• a rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it
• elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural)
• an appliance that corrects dental irregularities
• a carpenter's tool having a crank handle for turning and a socket to hold a bit for boring
• a structural member used to stiffen a framework
• plural of brace
• A device worn on the teeth to straighten them.
• Handcuffs.
• A pair of straps crossing one's shoulders and extending down to one's trousers, where a clip or button arrangement allows them to affix to the trousers, ensuring that they will not fall off.

Verb

• prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
• support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace
• support by bracing
• cause to be alert and energetic
• third-person singular simple present indicative of brace

Examples

• Susy has to go to the dentist to see if she needs braces.
• We put that villain in braces.

Synonyms

arouse, bitstock, brace, bracing, couple, couplet, distich, duad, duet, duo, dyad, energise, energize, gallus, orthodontic braces, pair, perk up, poise, span, stabilise, stabilize, steady, stimulate, suspender, twain, twosome, yoke, dental braces, manacles, suspenders

Antonyms

de-energise, de-energize, sedate