<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>A device for slowing or stopping a vehicle or other moving mechanism by the absorption or transfer of the energy of momentum, usually by means of friction.</li><li>Brakes, the drums, shoes, tubes, levers, etc., making up such a device on a vehicle.</li><li>Anything that has a slowing or stopping effect.</li><li>Also called brakeman: a member of a bobsled team who operates the brake.</li><li>Also called breaker: a tool or machine for breaking up flax or hemp, to separate the fiber.</li><li>Also called press brake: a machine for bending sheet metal to a desired shape.</li><li>Obsolete: an old instrument of torture.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>Braked</li><li>Braking</li><li>To slow or stop by means of or as if by means of a brake.</li><li>To furnish with brakes.</li><li>To process (flax or hemp) by crushing it in a brake.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>Braked</li><li>Braking</li><li>To use or run a brake.</li><li>To stop or slow upon being braked.</li><li>To run a hoisting machine.</li></ul>