Brake

/breɪk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A device for slowing or stopping the motion of a vehicle or machine.

The car's brake failed, causing it to crash.

The act of applying pressure to slow down or stop a vehicle.

She tapped the brake lightly to reduce speed before turning.

A mechanism that causes an object to slow down or stop in motion.

He adjusted the brake on his bicycle for better control.

verb

To slow down or stop a vehicle by using a brake.

He had to brake suddenly to avoid hitting the deer.

To apply the brakes to reduce speed.

Make sure to brake gently on slippery roads.

From Middle English 'brake', related to Old English 'braca' meaning 'to break'.

brake for

To slow down for a particular reason, usually to avoid something.

hit the brakes

To stop suddenly.

brake it down

To analyze or simplify.

braking

The action of slowing or stopping a vehicle.

brake pad

A component of the brake system that creates friction.

To brake hard

He had to brake hard to avoid the deer on the road.

Slamming on the brakes

She slammed on the brakes when the car in front of her suddenly stopped.