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hit the brakes

VERB

slow

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abate curb curtail decelerate decrease diminish hinder impede lag lessen moderate reduce relax retard slacken stall temper

STRONG

brake check choke detain loiter mire postpone procrastinate qualify quiet reef regulate stunt

WEAK

anchor it back-water bog down cut back cut down ease off ease up embog hold back hold up keep waiting let down flaps lose speed lose steam reduce speed rein in set back wind down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance agitate aid allow assist develop encourage enlarge excite expand extend facilitate forward further grow help increase lengthen prolong push raise strengthen

STRONG

accelerate do expedite liberate release

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Factory activity hit the brakes last month, with an early estimate pointing to a sharp retreat in sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

OTTAWA—Factory activity in Canada hit the brakes last month, with an early estimate pointing to a sharp retreat in sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

A fundraiser aimed at keeping Mickey Rourke housed has hit the brakes temporarily after the Oscar-nominated actor rejected more than $100,000 from fans and supporters earlier this week.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

Ferrari also hit the brakes on a plan to go electric, after unveiling the chassis and powertrain for its first ever EV, the Ferrari elettrica External link, which will start deliveries in late 2026.

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

They came around a curve in the mountain road, and Daniel hit the brakes, throwing them all against their seat belts.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

hit the brakes

Example Sentences

Related Words