jake brake
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Especially on trucks, an engine compression release braking system that opens the exhaust valves in each cylinder near the top of their compression strokes in order to slow the vehicle; an engine retarder.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “jake brake” mean?
Especially on trucks, an engine compression release braking system that opens the exhaust valves in each cylinder near the top of their compression strokes in order to slow the vehicle; an engine retarder.
Is “jake brake” formal or informal?
jake brake is generally slang.