A very hard and sudden braking maneuver with a vehicle in order to come to a stop as quickly as possible. An emergency stop is usually performed in a dangerous situation.
example
Der Autofahrer musste eine Vollbremsung einlegen, als ein Reh auf die Straße sprang.
The driver had to make an emergency stop when a deer jumped onto the road.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'voll' (full) and 'Bremsung' (braking). So it literally describes a 'full' or maximum braking action, in which the brakes are applied with full force.
EXAMPLE
Durch die plötzliche Vollbremsung wurden alle im Bus nach vorne geschleudert.
Because of the sudden emergency stop, everyone on the bus was thrown forward.
Typical collocations
'Vollbremsung' (emergency stop) is very frequently combined with the verbs 'machen' (to make/do) or the somewhat more formal 'einlegen' (to perform/initiate). People say 'eine Vollbremsung machen' (to make an emergency stop).
EXAMPLE
Der Fahrer musste eine Vollbremsung machen, um einen Unfall zu vermeiden.
The driver had to make an emergency stop to avoid an accident.
Context: dangerous situation
A 'Vollbremsung' (emergency stop) almost always occurs in an unexpected dangerous traffic situation. Typical triggers are obstacles that suddenly appear, such as people, animals, or other vehicles.
EXAMPLE
Ein Ball rollte auf die Fahrbahn, was eine Vollbremsung zur Folge hatte.
A ball rolled onto the roadway, which resulted in an emergency stop.
Compare with
antonym
Vollbremsung vs Beschleunigung
acceleration
'die Beschleunigung' and 'die Vollbremsung' are clear opposites when it comes to movement. With 'Beschleunigung', something gets faster or a process runs more quickly. With 'Vollbremsung', a vehicle slows down very hard and suddenly, usually until it stops. 'Beschleunigung' can also be used generally for processes, for example in work or technology. 'Vollbremsung' almost always fits vehicles and dangerous situations.
Vollbremsung
Wegen eines Kindes auf der Straße machte die Fahrerin eine Vollbremsung.
Because of a child in the road, the driver made an emergency stop.
Beschleunigung
Die Beschleunigung des Zuges war deutlich zu spüren.