gird

Verb

• bind with something round or circular

• put a girdle on or around
  • gird your loins
    

• prepare oneself for a military confrontation
  • The U.S. is girding for a conflict in the Middle East
    
  • troops are building up on the Iraqi border
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  encircle , girdle , arm , build up , fortify
• Antonyms: 
  disarm , demilitarize , demilitarise