ichidan verb, intransitive verb
put oneself on guard; stand ready; square off
Describes physically or mentally bracing oneself for an imminent challenge, threat, or confrontation.
相手が動き出すと、彼はすぐに身構えた。
As soon as his opponent started to move, he put himself on guard.
質問が
I was bracing myself for questions, but they didn't ask me anything.