verb

gird

GURD/ɡɜːrd/

to prepare oneself for difficult action

The mountaineer girds herself for the difficult climb by tightening her harness.

A mountaineer deliberately tightens the waistbelt of a proper climbing harness before attempting a demanding climb.

Etymology

girdOld Englishto encircle or put a belt around

Gyrdan meant putting a belt around oneself. Tightening the belt and tucking up loose clothing freed the body for a task or journey, giving “gird oneself” its sense of preparing for difficult action.

In context

Grace For Purpose3:02

we need to gird ourselves with this truth the devil is the father of lies but with the belt of truth on we will not fall victim to the enemy's deception

(THIS IS POWERFUL!) The Best Warfare Prayers For God To Deliver & Protect You From EVERY EVIL ATTACK

More examples

The team girds for a tough season.
I girded myself to tell my parents the truth.
We are girding ourselves for another round of budget cuts.

Forms

gird · girds · girded · girt · girding

Similar words

brace: Emphasizes readiness to withstand a shock or unpleasant experience.
steel: Emphasizes making oneself emotionally firm before something difficult.
prepare: Covers getting ready generally, without necessarily suggesting difficulty.