brake1

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noun

• a device for slowing or stopping a moving vehicle, typically by applying pressure to the wheels:he slammed on his brakes [as modifier]:a brake pedal
• a thing that slows or hinders a process:managers have a duty to put the brakes on growth when it is unsustainable

verb

[no object]

• make a moving vehicle slow down or stop by using a brake:drivers who brake abruptly (as adjective braking)an anti-lock braking system

Origin:

late 18th century: of unknown origin

Do not confuse brake with break. Brake means 'a device for slowing or stopping a vehicle' or 'slow or stop a vehicle' (I had to brake hard), whereas break mainly means 'separate into pieces' (he managed to break a few ribs) or 'a pause or interruption' (a coffee break).