retard

American  

[ri-tahrd, ree-tahrd] / rɪˈtɑrd, ˈri tɑrd /

verb (used with object)

1. to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede.

   Synonyms:

   check, obstruct

   Antonyms:

   accelerate

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verb (used without object)

1. to be delayed.

noun

1. a slowing down, diminution, or hindrance, as in a machine.

2. Slang: Disparaging and Offensive.

   1. a contemptuous term used to refer to a person who is cognitively impaired.

   2. a person who is stupid, obtuse, or ineffective in some way.

3. Automotive, Machinery. an adjustment made in the setting of the distributor of an internal-combustion engine so that the spark for ignition in each cylinder is generated later in the cycle.

retard British  

verb

1. (tr) to delay or slow down (the progress, speed, or development) of (something)

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noun

1. offensive a retarded person

2. offensive a foolish person

Sensitive Note

See retarded.

Other Word Forms

• retardingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of retard

First recorded in 1480–90; from Latin retardāre to delay, protract, equivalent to re- re- + tardāre “to loiter, be slow,” derivative of tardus “slow”; see tardy

Explanation

To retard something is to slow it down. A lack of fresh fruit and vegetables can retard the growth of a young child. This word should be used with a lot of caution. Using this word to describe a person is considered offensive and should be avoided. It is often a harmless word when used as a verb. While skiing, a heavy, bulky jacket could retard your progress down the mountain. Keeping a plant out of sunlight would retard its growth.

Example Sentences

Retard the throttles to their full back position.

From Forbes • Aug. 27, 2013

But wherefore do I loiter here, and thus Retard my marriage by my own delay?

From The Comedies of Terence by Colman, George

We skim too closely to the earth, We press too slowly for the prize, Let thoughts and cares of trivial worth Retard our journey to the skies.

From The Mountain Spring and Other Poems by Glass, Nannie R.

Sand grains should sugar in the natal dew The babe born to the desert, the sand storm Retard mid-waste my cowering caravans— "There are bees in this wall."

From North of Boston by Frost, Robert

This passion with a pimple have I seen Retard a cause, and give a judge the spleen.

From The Poetical Works of Edward Young, Volume 2 by Young, Edward

Related Words

• choke off
• crimp
• decelerate
• hamper
• impede
• lessen