decelerate

verb
de·​cel·​er·​ate | \ (ˌ)dē-ˈse-lə-ˌrāt How to pronounce decelerate (audio) \
decelerated; decelerating

Definition of decelerate

transitive verb

1 : to reduce the speed of : slow down decelerate a car
2 : to decrease the rate of progress of decelerate growth decelerate soil erosion

intransitive verb

: to move at decreasing speed

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Other Words from decelerate

deceleration \ (ˌ)dē-​ˌse-​lə-​ˈrā-​shən How to pronounce deceleration (audio) \ noun
decelerator \ (ˌ)dē-​ˈse-​lə-​rā-​tər How to pronounce decelerator (audio) \ noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for decelerate

Synonyms

brake, retard, slacken, slow

Antonyms

accelerate, hasten, hurry, quicken, rush, speed (up), step up

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Examples of decelerate in a Sentence

she decelerated the car as we entered the school zone

Recent Examples on the Web

The Chinese economy is decelerating gradually, but further increases in the country’s already giant infrastructure spending have cushioned the shock. New York Times, "Trump Goads China and Plays Down Chances of a Trade Deal Before 2020," 30 July 2019 His trumpet soothes like a weighted blanket, and the slightly funky rhythm tracks decelerate an anxious heartbeat. Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, "The best music to help you fall asleep," 26 July 2019 Brian Katz, Chief Investment Officer at the Colony Group Argument FOR a cut: Global growth decelerated sharply during the fourth quarter of last year, catching policy makers by surprise. Bob Sellers, Fortune, "Will the Fed Cut Interest Rates to Prevent Recession? 6 Predictions," 11 July 2019 Police pulled behind the Infiniti and turned on its flashing lights and siren, according to the report, and the Infiniti decelerated and gradually slowed to a stop on the other side of the Mystic. Jeremy C. Fox, BostonGlobe.com, "2 men arrested on gun charges while headed to Encore casino ‘to win some money’," 3 July 2019 Since 2016, Lester’s fastball has decelerated from 92 mph to 90. Andy Mccullough, latimes.com, "Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw wins on grit, not power," 13 June 2019 The Chinese economy is decelerating, but the process has been gradual. New York Times, "U.S. and China Resume Trade Talks Amid Dim Prospects for Deal," 29 July 2019 Felix underwent an emergency C-section last November after doctors discovered her daughter’s heart rate was decelerating. Tommy Birch, USA TODAY, "Track great Allyson Felix 'grateful' in her return to sport following daughter's birth," 25 July 2019 Factory activity has decelerated for three straight months as global growth has slowed and companies are reining in their spending on large equipment. Amanda Seitz, Twin Cities, "AP fact check: Trump distorts Ilhan Omar’s words on terrorism," 18 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'decelerate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of decelerate

1899, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for decelerate

de- + accelerate

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More Definitions for decelerate

decelerate

verb

English Language Learners Definition of decelerate

: to move slower : to lose speed
: to cause (something) to happen more slowly

decelerate

verb
de·​cel·​er·​ate | \ dē-ˈse-lə-ˌrāt How to pronounce decelerate (audio) \
decelerated; decelerating

Kids Definition of decelerate

: to slow down The car decelerated at the yellow light.

decelerate

verb
de·​cel·​er·​ate | \ (ˈ)dē-ˈsel-ə-ˌrāt How to pronounce decelerate (audio) \
decelerated; decelerating

Medical Definition of decelerate

transitive verb

: to reduce the speed of : slow down

intransitive verb

: to move at decreasing speed

Other Words from decelerate

deceleration \ (ˌ)dē-​ˌsel-​ə-​ˈrā-​shən How to pronounce deceleration (audio) \ noun

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