Part of Speech

noun

Pronunciation

/əˈrɛstər/

Definitions

noun: 1. A device used to stop or restrain motion, especially in mechanical or electrical systems. 2. A person or thing that arrests or halts something, often in the context of stopping a runaway or unwanted process.

Usage Examples

• "The engineer installed the arrestor to prevent the machine from overheating."
• "An arrestor was used to stop the aircraft on the runway."
• "The arrestor’s primary role was to halt the movement of the car in case of a failure in the braking system."

Etymology

Derived from the verb "arrest" meaning "to stop or prevent" and the suffix "-or," which indicates a person or thing that performs an action. The word "arrestor" was formed in the mid-19th century and refers to a device or mechanism designed to stop or restrain motion.

Synonyms

• brake
• stopper
• controller
• halt
• restrainer

Antonyms

• accelerator
• propeller
• igniter
• instigator
• stimulator

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Regional variations in the pronunciation of "arrestor" are rare, as it is mostly used in technical contexts. However, accents may cause slight differences in vowel sounds. For example, in some dialects, the first syllable may be pronounced with more emphasis, like "A-REST-or" rather than "a-REST-or."

Historical Usage

First used in mechanical engineering contexts in the late 19th century, the word "arrestor" described devices designed to stop or slow down machinery, such as arresting gears in rail systems. Over time, the term expanded to include devices that halted various processes, such as aircraft arrestor cables used on aircraft carriers.

Cultural Nuances

In modern usage, "arrestor" is mostly found in technical contexts, especially in engineering, aviation, and mechanical systems. While the term is widely understood in these fields, it is less common in everyday language and may be unfamiliar to general audiences. It holds particular significance in high-stakes or safety-critical environments, such as in aviation and military operations.

More Information

Arrestors are used to prevent accidents by stopping or controlling motion in systems where uncontrolled movement could lead to significant damage. They are critical in transportation systems, such as trains, and aerospace industries, where they stop vehicles or aircraft that have lost control. In engineering, arrestors help protect systems from overheating, overloading, or other catastrophic failures by arresting excess energy or movement.