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decelerating
/diːˈsɛləreɪtɪŋ/
slowing down
The car is decelerating as it approaches the red light.
The vehicle is reducing its speed to stop safely.
Engineering
technical
To reduce speed; to slow down.
The engineers programmed the spacecraft to decelerate before entering the atmosphere.
The spacecraft's speed was reduced to prepare for atmospheric entry.
The train decelerates smoothly to ensure passenger comfort.
The train slows down gradually for a comfortable ride.
Commonly used in physics, engineering, and automotive contexts to describe a reduction in velocity.
general
To become less intense or less rapid.
The economy is decelerating after years of rapid growth.
Economic activity is slowing down after a period of expansion.
Her enthusiasm for the project began to decelerate as deadlines approached.
Her interest in the project started to wane due to upcoming deadlines.
Used metaphorically to describe a decline in activity, enthusiasm, or progress.
Collocations
decelerate rapidlyto slow down very quicklydeceleration phasea period of slowing downdecelerate smoothlyto slow down gradually without jerking
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 'slowing down'
While 'slowing down' is more general, 'decelerating' often implies a controlled or measured reduction in speed, especially in technical contexts.
Gold Rule
Use in technical contexts
In physics and engineering, 'decelerate' specifically refers to a reduction in velocity, not just a decrease in speed (which could include direction changes).
Word Origin
From Latin *de-* (down, away) + *celerare* (to hasten), from *celer* (swift). First recorded in English in the late 19th century.
Usage Notes
Decelerating is often used in technical contexts (e.g., physics, engineering) but can also describe metaphorical declines in activity or enthusiasm. Avoid confusing it with 'deceleration,' the noun form.
Word Breakdown
de-
down, away, or reversal
prefix-celer-
swift, quick
root-ate
to make or become
suffixEnglish Dictionary