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brake

Definition

  • noun: a device for slowing or stopping something (such as a wheel or vehicle)
  • noun: the common bracken fern ('Pteridium aquilinum')
  • noun: rough or marshy land overgrown usually with one kind of plant
  • noun: a device for arresting or preventing the motion of a mechanism usually by means of friction
  • verb: to use the brake on a vehicle
  • verb: to retard or stop by or as if by a brake
  • archaic past of 'break'
  • often plural
  • synonyms: thicket, drag, check

Examples

  • He 'slammed/jammed on the brakes' [=he applied the brakes very quickly] to avoid hitting the other car.

  • They plan to use interest rates as a 'brake on' spending. [=as a way to slow down spending]

  • This car has excellent 'braking'. [=it stops quickly and easily when the brakes are used]

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) Salesmen-only copy room right there. Come on, I'll show you the . Yeah, you show us the . And look at these features, Mr. Kramer. Antilock brakes, automatic climate control-- Make a right at this corner, please. --an adjustable steering wheel and-- Oh, Mr. Kramer, you missed the turn. (..)
    1998 TvShow: Seinfeld Title: The Dealership Season: 9 Episode 11