a device for slowing or stopping a vehicle or other moving mechanism by the absorption or transfer of the energy of momentum, usually by means of friction.
brakes,the drums, shoes, tubes, levers, etc., making up such a device on a vehicle.
anything that has a slowing or stopping effect.
Also called brakeman. a member of a bobsled team who operates the brake.
Also called breaker. Textiles. a tool or machine for breaking up flax or hemp, to separate the fiber.
Also called press brake . a machine for bending sheet metal to a desired shape.
Obsolete. an old instrument of torture.
verb (used with object),braked,brak·ing.
to slow or stop by means of or as if by means of a brake.
to furnish with brakes.
to process (flax or hemp) by crushing it in a brake.
verb (used without object),braked,brak·ing.
to use or run a brake.
to stop or slow upon being braked.
to run a hoisting machine.
Origin of brake
1
1400–50; late Middle English <Middle Dutch, Middle Low German; akin to break
The large number of people already infected with the coronavirus in the US has begun to act as a brake on the spread of the disease in hard-hit states.
Population immunity is slowing down the pandemic in parts of the US|David Rotman|August 11, 2020|MIT Technology Review
The balance between these processes works as a thermostat, because when the climate warms, chemical reactions become more efficient at removing carbon dioxide, putting a brake on the warming.
How Earth’s Climate Changes Naturally (and Why Things Are Different Now)|Howard Lee|July 21, 2020|Quanta Magazine
Drugs that release brakes on the immune system have helped thousands of people with cancers that were previously untreatable.
These cells slow an immune response. Derailing them could help fight tumors|Esther Landhuis|July 10, 2020|Science News
Though preliminary and unpublished, the findings suggest that Brd4 inhibitors “can get rid of these immune suppressor cells that are an additional brake on the immune system, and allow immune stimulating drugs to work better,” says Carson.
These cells slow an immune response. Derailing them could help fight tumors|Esther Landhuis|July 10, 2020|Science News
That wasn’t the only cluster that put the brakes on South Korea’s reopening plans.
COVID-19 case clusters offer lessons and warnings for reopening|Helen Thompson|June 18, 2020|Science News
Counterfeit airbags and brake pads have become more of a problem, as have electrical devices that catch on fire.
Museum of Fakes for a City of Fakes|William O’Connor|June 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
My husband is planning 'an accident' in my car, brake failure and serious head injury.
Was Princess Diana Murdered by the British Military?|Nico Hines|August 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
She is also author of I Brake for Yard Sales, a New York Times bestseller about interior design from Abrams Books.
See Who’s Coming to Women in the World 2013: Speakers & Participants||March 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
A large ball rolls out into the street, too close for you to brake.
Are Driverless Cars Really in Our Near Future?|Megan McArdle|January 24, 2013|DAILY BEAST
As the planet rotates, the water in the oceans moves about and serves to brake the spin of the planet.
How Long Is a Year? Is the Earth Slowing Down? And Other Questions About Time|Neil Shubin|January 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
What defect in the feed valve will cause the brake pipe pressure to equalize with that in the main reservoir?
The Traveling Engineers' Association|Anonymous
If Tregear will go with me to the Brake, I can mount him for a day or two.
The Duke's Children|Anthony Trollope
As the indignant Master of the Brake Hounds said this the very fire flashed from his eyes.
The Duke's Children|Anthony Trollope
A small spring, U, keeps the ends of the pieces apart and allows the free turning of the axle until the brake lever is drawn.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various
If the brake cylinder pipe breaks, can the locomotive brake be applied with the automatic brake valve?
The Traveling Engineers' Association|Anonymous
British Dictionary definitions for brake (1 of 4)
brake1
/ (breɪk) /
noun
(often plural)a device for slowing or stopping a vehicle, wheel, shaft, etc, or for keeping it stationary, esp by means of frictionSee also drum brake, disc brake, hydraulic brake, air brake, handbrake
(as modifier)the brake pedal
a machine or tool for crushing or breaking flax or hemp to separate the fibres
Also called: brake harrowa heavy harrow for breaking up clods
short for brake van
short for shooting brake
an open four-wheeled horse-drawn carriageAlso spelt: break
an obsolete word for rack 1 (def. 4)
verb
to slow down or cause to slow down, by or as if by using a brake
(tr)to crush or break up using a brake
Derived forms of brake
brakeless, adjective
Word Origin for brake
C18: from Middle Dutch braeke; related to breken to break
British Dictionary definitions for brake (2 of 4)
brake2
/ (breɪk) /
noun
an area of dense undergrowth, shrubs, brushwood, etc; thicket
Word Origin for brake
Old English bracu; related to Middle Low German brake, Old French bracon branch
British Dictionary definitions for brake (3 of 4)
brake3
/ (breɪk) /
noun
another name for bracken (def. 1) See also rock brake