noun

a device fitted to something, in particular a weak or injured part of the body, to give support.

a neck brace

support,caliper,truss,surgical appliance

verb

make (a structure) stronger or firmer with wood, iron, or other forms of support.

the posts were braced by lengths of timber

support,shore up,prop up,hold up,buttress,carry,bear,underpin,strengthen,reinforce,fortify,underprop