1. a brake operated by hand, typically a lever or pedal used to hold a vehicle stationary or to slow it down in an emergency
Usage: common in British English; American English typically uses 'parking brake' or 'emergency brake'

Examples

• She pulled the handbrake to keep the car from rolling down the hill.
• The handbrake is located between the front seats.
• Always engage the handbrake before leaving your vehicle on an incline.
• He released the handbrake and slowly drove forward.
• The handbrake failed, and the car rolled into the street.
• In an emergency, you can use the handbrake to stop the car quickly.