brake — a device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle
Pronunciation (IPA): /breɪk/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother drives so slowly that snails overtake her even when she's not using the brake.
- The brake system needs regular maintenance for safe driving.
- He forgot to brake and ended up in his neighbor's swimming pool.
brake
NOUN[/breɪk/]
a device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle
She slams the brake as a deer leaps onto the mountain road.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Brake derives from Middle Dutch 'brake', originally denoting a tool for breaking or crushing flax and hemp fibers. The term was later extended in the 19th century to refer to a mechanical device that stops or reduces the motion of wheels, metaphorically applying the 'breaking' action to wheel movement.
Breakdown
brake (breaking/crushing tool) → brake (mechanical stopping device). The semantic shift reflects the functional analogy between crushing fibers and arresting motion through applied force.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother drives so slowly that snails overtake her even when she's not using the brake.”
“The brake system needs regular maintenance for safe driving.”
“He forgot to brake and ended up in his neighbor's swimming pool.”
“The new car has an automatic brake system that prevents accidents.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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