Freno

A 'freno' primarily refers to a brake, a device used to slow or stop a moving vehicle or machine. It acts by applying friction to a rotating or sliding part, converting kinetic energy into heat. More broadly, 'freno' can also signify a restraint or check, something that inhibits or controls an action or process, a limiting factor. The term may also be applied metaphorically to describe an obstruction, obstacle, or impediment to progress or freedom.

Freno meaning with examples

• El conductor pisó el freno bruscamente para evitar el accidente, preventing a collision. / The driver slammed on the brake to avoid the accident. The brakes' performance in those situations were critical. / The sudden braking action caused all the passengers to lurch forward. / Revisa los frenos de tu coche regularmente para garantizar tu seguridad en la carretera. / Always make sure your brakes are in good working order, and replace them immediately if you find a problem
• La crisis económica actuó como un freno para el crecimiento de la empresa. / The economic crisis acted as a brake on the company's growth. / The high interest rates served as a 'freno' to borrowing and investment. / Inflation represents a brake on the purchasing power of consumers. / The tax increases imposed by the government were a freno to entrepreneurial activity.
• El freno impuesto por las leyes dificultaba la innovación tecnológica. / The restraint imposed by laws hampered technological innovation. / The teacher's disciplinary measures served as a freno on the students' misbehavior. / The lack of funding was a 'freno' on the project's progress. / A curfew was imposed by the authorities as a 'freno' on the city's nightlife. / The rules of the game served as a 'freno' for ensuring fair play.
• La lluvia intensa puso un freno al tráfico y dificultó la circulación por las carreteras. / The heavy rain put a brake on the traffic and made it difficult to drive on the roads. / The heavy traffic acted as a 'freno' on the road's fluidity. / The unexpected technical problem put a 'freno' on the project's launch. / The unexpected snow caused a freno to travel plans. / The heavy wind was a freno against the boat moving forward.
• Necesitamos un freno a la violencia. / We need an end to the violence. / The campaign was a 'freno' to social inequalities. / A well-intentioned person may act as a freno to unethical behavior. / The new regulations were seen as a 'freno' to illegal business. / A public education campaign about a specific danger could be a freno against it.