Brake VS Break
The words break and brake sound identical, but their meanings are quite different.
Brake
The word brake has several meanings:
a) A device for slowing a moving vehicle (typically by adding friction to the wheels).
– You do know that the brake is the pedal in the middle, don't you?
– Please apply the handbrake.
(In this meaning, brake is a noun. Of course, there is also the associated verb)
b) a thing that stops something or makes it difficult
– Yes, very clever. It's time to brake now. Errr, now!
– High interest rates are a brake on the economy. (In this meaning, brake is a noun)
Break
The word break has many meanings:
a) To separate into pieces (as a result of a block, shock, or pressure).
– Shatterproof ruler? I managed to break it before I'd left the shop!
It can also be used figuratively:
– That would break my heart.
– Adversity causes some men to break — others to break records.(William Arthur Ward)
( In this meaning, break is a verb. It is like to crack, to smash, or to shatter.)
There is also the associated noun:
– I can see the break on the x-ray.
(This is like the meaning below, i.e., an interruption of continuity.)
b) A period of rest or an interruption of continuity.
– I need to take a break. (a period of rest)
– There is a break in the pattern. (an interruption of continuity)
( In this meaning, break is a noun. It is like interval, pause, or gap.)
c) To infringe or disobey.
– Please do not break my trust in you.
– It is much easier to break the rules when one's surrounded by strangers. One does not know any of them, so one cannot really care for their opinion. (Monica Fairview)
– Men keep agreements when it is to the advantage of neither to break them. (Solon, 638 BC-559 BC)
( In this meaning, break is a verb.)