# slow down

**Pronunciation:** /ˌsloʊ ˈdaʊn/ · slow down

**CEFR level:** A2

**Part of speech:** verb

## Meaning

To reduce speed or the rate at which something is happening.

## Examples

- The car began to slow down as it approached the traffic light.
- The economy is expected to slow down in the next quarter.
- He told his team to slow down and check their work carefully.

## Synonyms

- ease up — To become less intense or severe.
- decelerate — A more formal or technical term for reducing speed.
- moderate — To make or become less extreme, intense, or rapid.
- curtail — To reduce or restrict something, often activities or expenses.

## Antonyms

- speed up — To increase speed or rate.
- accelerate — A more formal or technical term for increasing speed.

## Common patterns

- slow down to — To reduce speed to a specific level. — The driver had to slow down to 30 mph for the school zone.
- slow down by — To reduce speed by a certain amount. — The train slowed down by half its speed as it entered the tunnel.
- slow down for — To reduce speed in preparation for something or someone. — Please slow down for the pedestrians crossing the street.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/slow%20down

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