<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to decrease the velocity of: He decelerates the bobsled when he nears a curve.</li><li>to slow the rate of increase of: efforts to decelerate inflation.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to slow down: The plane decelerated just before landing.</li></ul>