Use of break and brake

The verb to break means to separate a whole thing into parts, i.e. When the plate fell, it broke into pieces.

The noun, break, is used (a) to discuss the result of breaking or (b) to discuss a pause in time, normally used for rest. Here are some examples:

(a) The doctor said that is was a clean break and that the bone would heal quickly.

(b) I need a break; I've been working on this task all morning!

In comparison, the verb to brake means to stop or slow down using brakes, i.e. When stopping at a traffic light, one should brake gradually.

A brake is the name of the mechanism on a machine that slows it down, usually on cars, bikes, or other vehicles. For example: When the deer ran into the road, John hit the brakes.

Break means:

To damage:  "If I hear your phone ring one more time, I am going to break it."

To separate:  "I will break off a piece of this cookie so you can taste it."

A pause or period of rest:  "I will turn off the computer and take a break."

A key on a computer keyboard: "The program jammed and I had to press ctrl-break to stop it."

To infringe or disobey:  "That is an unfair rule, and I am going to break it."

Brake means:

To stop or slow:  "The large pedal in the floor is how you brake the car."

The mechanism to stop a vehicle or machinery:  "I had to press the brake pedal to keep from hitting the cat."

To process flax, hemp, or similar materials: "It used to be hard work to brake flax."