(ˈ)dēˈseləˌrāt, usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: de- + ac celerate
transitive verb
1. : to cause to go progressively slower : lessen the speed of : slow down : retard
decelerate a motor
decelerate an automobile
2. : to decrease the rate of progress of (as a process or development)
decelerate erosion of the soil
decelerate an educational program
intransitive verb
1. : to move at a progressively slower speed : slow down
the car decelerated
2. : to cause something (as a vehicle) to move at a progressively slower speed
the driver decelerated quickly