The term 'Hit (the brakes)' is a phrase used to indicate the need to STOP or SLOW down. The crossword solutions for this term are STOP (4 letters), SLOWED (6 letters), SLOW (4 letters), and SLAMON (6 letters). The word STOP is an imperative verb that means to cease movement or activity. SLOWED is the past tense of the verb SLOW, which means to reduce speed or intensity. SLAMON is an informal term that means to press the brakes hard in order to STOP quickly.