# slow down

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slow-down
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to reduce speed

phrasal verb · CEFR A2

to move more slowly or to make a vehicle go slower.

For teachers: to reduce the velocity of a vehicle or the speed of one's movement. The verb functions both transitively and intransitively.

- You should slow down when you drive through a school zone.
- The driver was forced to slow down as the heavy fog significantly reduced visibility on the winding mountain road.

### 2. to become less busy

phrasal verb · CEFR B1

to become less active or to start living a quieter, more relaxed life.

For teachers: to reduce the pace or intensity of one's lifestyle or work activities, often to avoid stress or exhaustion.

- After working sixty hours a week for years, he decided it was time to slow down.
- Medical professionals often advise patients to slow down and prioritise rest following a period of prolonged psychological stress.

### 3. to delay progress

phrasal verb · CEFR B2

to make something happen more slowly than usual.

For teachers: to inhibit the progress or rate of a process or development.

- The lack of funding will slow down the construction of the new bridge.
- Supply chain disruptions and labour shortages continue to slow down the global recovery of the manufacturing sector.

## Examples

- You need to slow down before the turn.
- The driver had to slow down because the road was wet and slippery from the rain.
- Economists predict that the national growth rate will slow down significantly as the central bank continues to raise interest rates.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: contrast with 'speed up'; note that 'slow down' is more common than 'slow' as a verb in spoken English when describing a change in pace.

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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.