# braking

/ˈbɹeɪkɪŋ/ (US) · /bɹˈeɪkɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/braking
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. slowing a vehicle

noun · CEFR B1

the act of using the brakes to slow down or stop a car, bike, or train.

For teachers: the action of applying a braking system to reduce the velocity of a vehicle.

- Sudden braking on a wet road can cause the car to slide.
- The driver's heavy braking avoided a collision, though it left dark skid marks across the asphalt.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun or as a gerund following a preposition.

## Examples

- The braking distance increases on wet roads.
- She applied the braking force gently to avoid scaring the passengers.
- The engineer tested the braking system under extreme temperatures to ensure safety during high-speed travel.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.