brake

noun

1. A device used to slow or stop the motion of a wheel, or of a vehicle, usually by friction (although other resistive forces, such as electromagnetic fields or aerodynamic drag, can also be used); also, the controls or apparatus used to engage such a mechanism such as the pedal in a car.

   “She slammed the brakes when she saw a child run in front of the car.”

   “You're pressing the brakes too hard - try just squeezing them.”

2. The act of braking, of using a brake to slow down a machine or vehicle

   “give the car a quick brake”

3. engineeringAn apparatus for testing the power of a steam engine or other motor by weighing the amount of friction that the motor will overcome; a friction brake.

4. figurativelySomething used to retard or stop some action, process etc.

5. militaryAn ancient engine of war analogous to the crossbow and ballista.

6. chiefly nauticalThe handle of a pump.

7. A baker's kneading trough.

8. A device used to confine or prevent the motion of an animal.

9. A frame for confining a refractory horse while the smith is shoeing him.

10. An enclosure to restrain cattle, horses, etc.

11. A cart or carriage without a body, used in breaking in horses.W

12. A carriage for transporting shooting parties and their equipment.W

13. That part of a carriage, as of a movable battery, or engine, which enables it to turn.

14. A fern; bracken (Pteridium).

verb

1. To operate (a) brake(s).

2. To be stopped or slowed (as if) by braking.

3. To bruise and crush; to knead

   “The farmer's son brakes the flax while mother brakes the bread dough”

4. To pulverise with a harrow

5. Stop travelling by applying a brake

   “We had to brake suddenly when a chicken crossed the road”

6. Cause to stop by applying the brakes

   “brake the car before you go into a curve”

Simple past tense of break