Braced

I braced myself against the crowd.

When I braced myself and said, "I'm pregnant" he said "Are you saying it's mine?"

Tom braced himself.

I braced myself.

I braced myself for her reaction.

I braced myself for his reaction.

Tom braced himself for Mary's reaction.

Soon as he saw the captured city fall, / the palace-gates burst open, and the foe / dealing wild riot in his inmost hall, / up sprang the old man and, at danger's call, / braced o'er his trembling shoulders in a breath / his rusty armour, took his belt withal, / and drew the useless falchion from its sheath, / and on their thronging spears rushed forth to meet his death.

Crews battling deadly Northern California wildfires braced for a weekend of windy, hot weather that could drive the flames into new areas and threaten more homes.

Mary braced herself.