brake

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A device that slows down or stops a wheel or vehicle.

   She slammed on the brakes when a child ran into the road.

2. 2
   verb

   To make a vehicle slow down or stop by using the brakes.

   He braked hard to avoid the dog in the road.

3. 3
   noun

   Something that slows down or stops a process.

   Rising prices put the brakes on consumer spending.

Late Middle English, from Middle Low German brake, Dutch braak, Old Dutch braeke; possibly related to sense 1.

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