Definition

Noun: 1. A device that stops or slows motion: A mechanical or hydraulic device designed to halt or control the movement of an object, most notably used to stop aircraft landing on an aircraft carrier. 2. A device for preventing or limiting electrical discharge: A component, such as a lightning arrester, designed to protect electrical equipment by diverting or limiting surge currents.

Usage and Examples

• As a device for stopping aircraft:
  • The fighter jet's tailhook engaged the arrester cable, bringing it to a safe stop on the deck.
  • Modern naval arresters use advanced hydraulic systems to absorb the aircraft's kinetic energy.
• As an electrical safety device:
  • The engineer installed a surge arrester to protect the transformer from lightning strikes.
  • All power lines should be equipped with proper arresters for system safety.

Advanced Usage

• "arrester hook" (tailhook): The hook on an aircraft that engages the arrester cable.
  • The pilot lowered the arrester hook in preparation for landing.
• "arrester gear": The complete system of cables, engines, and braking mechanisms on a carrier deck.
  • The arrester gear was inspected before flight operations began.

Variants and Related Words

• Arrestor: An alternative spelling, especially common in British English (e.g., ).
• Arrest: (Verb) The action of stopping or seizing, from which "arrester" is derived.
• Arresting: (Adjective) Striking or attracting attention, sharing the etymological root of bringing something to a stop.

Synonyms

• Stopper: A general term for something that stops motion.
• Brake: A device for slowing or stopping a vehicle.
• Damper: A device that reduces oscillation or motion.
• Shock absorber: A device designed to absorb and damp shock impulses.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Lightning arrester: A device used on electrical power systems to protect insulation from lightning surges.
• Spark arrester: A device that prevents the emission of flammable debris from combustion sources.
• Flame arrester: A safety device that stops flame propagation in a gas line.

Noun

1. a restraint that slows airplanes as they land on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier