brakes

Thân thiện

The driver presses the brakes to slow the car at the intersection.

Definition

Noun 1. A braking device for a vehicle: A mechanical or hydraulic system used to slow down or stop a moving vehicle, typically consisting of interacting parts like pads, discs, drums, and a control mechanism. 2. The act or power of slowing or stopping: The function or capacity provided by such a device.

Usage

The word "brakes" is the standard plural form of "brake," referring to the entire system or its components. It is used as a countable noun.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The car's brakes failed on the steep hill.
  • I need to get my brakes checked; they are making a squealing noise.
  • She applied the brakes gently to avoid skidding.

Advanced Usage

• "to slam on the brakes": To apply the brakes very suddenly and forcefully.
  • He had to slam on the brakes when a dog ran into the road.
• "to ride the brakes": To drive while keeping slight, constant pressure on the brake pedal.
  • Riding the brakes down the mountain can cause them to overheat.

Variants and Related Words

• Brake (noun, singular): Refers to the device as a concept or a single component (e.g., a parking brake, a disc brake).
• Brake (verb): To slow down or stop using a brake.
  • You must brake early in wet conditions.
• Braking (noun/gerund): The action of using the brakes.
  • Smooth braking is a sign of a good driver.

Synonyms

• Stopping power
• Retarders (for large vehicles)
• Deceleration system

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Brake for (someone/something): To slow or stop because of a specific obstacle or reason.
  • Always brake for pedestrians at a crosswalk.

Related Idioms

• "Put the brakes on (something)": To slow down, stop, or curb an activity or process.
  • The company had to put the brakes on its expansion plans due to rising costs.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a braking device consisting of a combination of interacting parts that work to slow a motor vehicle

Từ đồng nghĩa

• brake system