brake
BRAYK
/breɪk/
A device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, or the action of applying it.
Refers specifically to mechanical or electrical mechanisms that reduce speed through friction or magnetic resistance.
The story behind the word. The word originally referred to a wooden lever or instrument used to crush hemp or grain. Over time, the concept of a lever exerting heavy pressure was applied to machinery, evolving into the friction device used to halt vehicle wheels today.
Word relationships
- decelerate: Decelerate is a general physics term for reducing speed, while brake refers specifically to operating a mechanical device.
- check: Check means to restrain or slow forward movement, often used abstractly or in sports.
- accelerate: Accelerate means to increase speed rather than reduce it.
Commonly confused with
- break: Break means to damage or fracture something, whereas brake refers to a mechanism for stopping.
Word family
- braking (noun): The action or process of applying a brake.
- unbraked (adjective): Not equipped with or controlled by brakes.
Collocations
- apply the brake
- squeeze the brake
- disc brake
- brake pad
Idioms & expressions
- put the brakes on
Example sentences
- "She squeezed the brake lever firmly as the stray dog trotted across the bike path." Cycling Safety Manual
- "He had to brake sharply when the car ahead suddenly slowed down without signaling." Traffic Safety Report
Memory hook
A BRAKE stops you so you don't BREAK your bones! Squeeze to freeze speed.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'break' (to shatter, damage, or take a pause).
Fun facts
- Early bicycle brakes squeezed directly against the rubber front tire, causing rapid tire wear before rim and disc brakes were invented.
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