brakes

Noun

brake (plural brakes)

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.
   1. The act of braking, of using a brake to slow down a machine or vehicle
      • Give the car a quick brake.
   2. An 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.
   3. (figuratively) Something used to retard or stop some action, process etc.
2. An ancient engine of war analogous to the crossbow and ballista.
   1. (obsolete) The winch of a crossbow.

See all 26 meanings of brake