Refers to a physical or mental readiness, often implying a defensive or prepared stance. Common in martial arts and figurative contexts.
He took a defensive stance in preparation for the opponent's attack.
She always has a positive attitude toward new challenges.
Standard kanji spelling; high news frequency.
Mixed kana spelling sometimes seen in less formal writing.
Compound of 身 (body, oneself) and 構え (stance, posture). The exact historical derivation is straightforward; the word has been used since at least the early modern period.