Definition

1. Noun:

   • A device used to slow down or stop a moving vehicle: A mechanical or hydraulic component that creates friction to reduce speed.
   • Anything that slows or hinders a process: A figurative use for any factor or action that causes a reduction in speed or progress.
   • A large, coarse fern: A type of fern, often considered a weed, that grows in thick patches.

2. Verb:

   • To slow down or stop a vehicle by using a brake: The action of applying a braking device.
   • To cause something to slow down or stop: The general act of decelerating or halting movement.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Device):
  • The car's brakes were squeaking, so I took it to the mechanic.
  • He applied the emergency brake when the car started rolling downhill.
• Noun (Hindrance):
  • High interest rates acted as a brake on economic growth.
  • The new regulations will serve as a brake on reckless spending.
• Noun (Plant):
  • The path was overgrown with thick brake ferns.
• Verb:
  • You must brake gently on icy roads to avoid skidding.
  • The cyclist had to brake hard to avoid the pedestrian.

Advanced Usage

• "To put the brakes on (something)": To deliberately slow down or stop an activity or process.
  • The company decided to put the brakes on its expansion plans due to the recession.
• "To slam on the brakes": To brake very suddenly and forcefully.
  • She had to slam on the brakes when the dog ran into the street.

Variants and Related Words

• Brake pedal (n): The foot-operated lever in a vehicle that activates the brakes.
  • He pressed the brake pedal to slow the car.
• Brake light (n): A red light at the rear of a vehicle that illuminates when the brakes are applied.
  • The driver ahead didn't have working brake lights.
• Braking (n/adj): The action or system of using brakes.
  • Anti-lock braking systems prevent wheel lock-up.

Synonyms

• Noun (Device): Stopper, retarder, drag.
• Noun (Hindrance): Curb, check, restraint, impediment.
• Verb: Decelerate, slow down, halt, stop.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Brake for (someone/something): To slow or stop a vehicle because of a specific person or object.
  • Always brake for animals crossing the road.

Related Idioms

• "Pump the brakes": (Informal) To advise someone to slow down or reconsider their actions or enthusiasm.
  • He was getting too excited about the deal, so I told him to pump the brakes.
• "Ride the brake": To drive with one's foot resting lightly on the brake pedal, causing slight but constant braking.
  • Riding the brake can wear out the pads quickly and confuse drivers behind you.

Noun

1. anything that slows or hinders a process
   • she wan not ready to put the brakes on her life with a marriage
   • new legislation will put the brakes on spending
2. an area thickly overgrown usually with one kind of plant
3. large coarse fern often several feet high; essentially weed ferns; cosmopolitan
4. any of various ferns of the genus Pteris having pinnately compound leaves and including several popular houseplants
5. a restraint used to slow or stop a vehicle

Verb

1. cause to stop by applying the brakes
   • brake the car before you go into a curve
2. stop travelling by applying a brake
   • We had to brake suddenly when a chicken crossed the road