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n. 1. A device for slowing or stopping motion, as of a vehicle, especially by contact friction. 2. Something that slows or stops action. v. braked, brak·ing, brakes v.tr. To reduce the speed of with or as if with a brake. v.intr. 1. To operate or apply a brake. 2. To be slowed or stopped by or as if by the operation of a brake. [Early Modern English brake, bridle, curb (for a horse), perhaps from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German, nose ring, curb, flax brake; see BRAKE2.] |
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