emergency brake

noun

1. Also called parking brake. a special brake used to prevent a motor vehicle from rolling after it has stopped or been parked. Compare brake ¹( def 1 ).
2. any brake meant to stop a vehicle in an emergency.

Word History and Origins

Origin of emergency brake¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Then he went back, eased off the emergency brake, grabbed a good handhold and strained forward.

From Project Gutenberg

Fortunately, they carried an emergency brake, so that the steepness of the declivity did not alarm them.

From Project Gutenberg

At the same instant his hand sought the emergency brake lever and he pushed it forward.

From Project Gutenberg

He saw the danger, and with his hand upon the emergency-brake he threw his weight upon the wheel.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the engineer threw on the emergency brake, and the front end of the baggage car crumpled up.

From Project Gutenberg