Meaning of brake In English

• 0 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.

  • Suddenly we heard a screech of brakes and saw the car swerve to miss the bicycle.

• 1 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.

• 2 a device that slows or stops the movement of a vehicle:

  • anti-lock brakes

  • He saw a deer crossing the road and hit/slammed on the brakes (= stopped as quickly as possible).