brakenoun [ C ]
uk/breɪk/us/breɪk/B1 a device that makes a vehicle go slower or stop, or a pedal, bar, or handle that makes this device work:
She had no brakes on her bicycle.
The driver suddenly put on his brakes.
informal I slammed on (= quickly used) the brakes, but it was too late.
All our new models have anti-lock brakes.
screech/squeal of brakes
the loud, unpleasant noise of a car suddenly stopping:
Suddenly we heard a screech of brakes and saw the car swerve to miss the bicycle.
More examples
- Slowly depress the brake pedal.
- Don't forgot to put the brake on.
- The brakes failed and the car crashed into a tree.
- A screech of brakes jarred the silence.
- All our new models have anti-lock brakes.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
The engine & engine parts
- abs
- battery
- carburettor
- cutout
- flywheel
- idle
- motorized
- pickup
- piston
- plug
- power steering
- radiator
- rev
- silencer
- sump
- tailpipe
- tappet
- throttle
- transmission
- universal joint
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
The interior of vehicles
On the road: accidents involving vehicles
Idiom(s)
put the brakes on
brakeverb [ I ]
uk/breɪk/us/breɪk/B2 to make a vehicle go slower or stop, using its brake or brakes:
When it's icy, brake gently.
He would drive very fast and brake hard/sharply at the last minute.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
On the road: driving & operating road vehicles
- aquaplaning
- back sth up
- boxed in
- bump start
- bus driver
- car seat
- carve
- corner
- dip
- driver
- driving
- foot
- hold the road idiom
- manoeuvring
- motor
- motorist
- mph
- pull away
- scorch
- turning circle
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Increasing and decreasing speed of motion