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verb

ausbremsen

slow down

Jemanden absichtlich langsamer machen oder daran hindern, schneller voranzukommen.

Definition & meaning

The verb ausbremsen generally means to slow someone or something down, often with the intention of stopping their progress or movement. It is used in two primary contexts:

  1. Literal (Traffic/Driving): To slow down or stop a vehicle by braking, specifically in a way that forces the person behind you to also slow down or stop (often considered an aggressive maneuver).
  2. Figurative: To hinder, obstruct, or deliberately slow down the progress of a person, a project, or an idea. For example, if a manager blocks a subordinate's career advancement or if someone kills the momentum of an ongoing discussion.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

  • Part of speech: Verb (separable).
  • Conjugation: Weak verb.
  • Present tense: ich bremse aus, du bremst aus, er/sie/es bremst aus.
  • Past tense (Präteritum): ich bremste aus.
  • Past participle: ausgebremst.
  • Auxiliary verb: haben.

Word origin: The word is a compound of the prefix aus- (out/off) and the verb bremsen (to brake). While bremsen focuses on the action of reducing speed, the prefix aus- here implies an external interference or the result of causing someone else to come to a halt.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Behindern : To hinder or obstruct.
  • Blockieren : To block or stop the movement/progress of something.
  • Ausstechen : Used when someone outmaneuvers another person in a competitive sense.
  • Hemmen : To inhibit or slow down a process.
  • Stoppen : To stop.

Antonyms:

  • Beschleunigen : To accelerate or speed up.
  • Fördern : To encourage, support, or promote progress.
  • Unterstützen : To support or help someone move forward.
  • Antreiben : To drive forward or motivate.

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Examples

Er versucht, seinen Gegner auszubremsen.verb

He is trying to slow down his opponent.

Manchmal möchte Karl seine Freunde ausbremsen, wenn sie zu schnell fahren.verb

Sometimes Karl wants to slow down his friends when they drive too fast.

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