poised

/pɔɪzd/

verb

  1. 1

    To hang in equilibrium; to be balanced or suspended; hence, to be in suspense or doubt.

  2. 2

    To counterpoise; to counterbalance.

  3. 3

    To be of a given weight; to weigh.

  4. 4

    To add weight to, to weigh down.

  5. 5

    To hold (something) with or against something else in equilibrium; to balance, counterpose.

  6. 6

    To hold (something) in equilibrium, to hold balanced and ready; to carry (something) ready to be used.

    “I poised the crowbar in my hand, and waited.”
  7. 7

    To keep (something) in equilibrium; to hold suspended or balanced.

    “The rock was poised precariously on the edge of the cliff.”
  8. 8

    To ascertain, as if by balancing; to weigh.

adjective

  1. 1

    Possessing poise, having self-confidence.

  2. 2

    Ready, prepared.

    “He stood there, poised to act, and then suddenly he drew his gun in a smooth arc.”
  3. 3

    Balanced, in position, equilibrium

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