a braking device consisting of a combination of interacting parts that work to slow a motor vehicle
"The driver slammed on the brakes to avoid hitting the deer in time."
plural of brake
"She pressed both brakes firmly to bring the car to a stop before the intersection."
Third-person singular simple present indicative form of brake
"The car brakes smoothly when it approaches the red light."
In plain English: To brake means to slow down or stop something, like pressing on your foot pedal when driving.
"The driver slammed on his brakes to avoid hitting the deer."
plural of Brake
"The old train made a loud screeching noise as its brakes clamped down on the tracks."