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Brake - 英语词汇详解 (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：brake (n.) (Brake)
Brake
/breɪk/
n., v.
A device in a vehicle used to make it go slower or stop.
brake (n.)
➕
/breɪk/
n., v.
A device in a vehicle used to reduce speed or bring it to a stop, typically operated by pressure on a pedal or lever.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'bracu' meaning 'a break or fracture'; later applied to stopping devices.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'break' – brakes break your vehicle's speed, helping you stop safely.
📖 Example
When I saw the red light ahead, I had to press the brake pedal hard.
When I saw the red light ahead, I had to press the brake pedal hard.
🔗 Collocations
emergency brake – A brake used for sudden stops, often a hand lever
brake pads – Friction components that press against the brake disc to slow the vehicle
🔄 Synonyms
stop device (n.) – Any mechanism that halts motion
retarder (n.) – A device that slows down a machine or vehicle
🚫 Antonyms
accelerator (n.) – A pedal that increases vehicle speed
🌱 Derivatives
braking (n./adj.) – The act of slowing down or stopping using a brake
📖 Cultural Story
Originally related to breaking something, the term 'brake' was first used for vehicle stopping mechanisms in the 18th century on horse-drawn carriages.
Meaning 2：brake (v.) (Brake)
Brake
/breɪk/
n., v.
To make a vehicle slow down or stop by using its brake. Also means to slow down any process.
brake (v.)
➕
/breɪk/
n., v.
To slow down or stop a vehicle by applying the brake; also used metaphorically to slow any process or activity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
You should brake gently when the road is wet to avoid skidding.
You should brake gently when the road is wet to avoid skidding.
🔗 Collocations
brake sharply – To apply the brake suddenly and with force
brake to a halt – To bring a vehicle to a complete stop by braking
🔄 Synonyms
slow down (v.) – To reduce speed gradually
decelerate (v.) – To decrease velocity
🚫 Antonyms
accelerate (v.) – To increase speed
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