retard
verb (used with object)
to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede.
had been retarding
-
past perfect progressiveof retard.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
After 1822, Neptune, in passing from E to D, had been retarding Uranus in his orbit from B to A. We have seen it is easy to miss immortality.
From Recreations in Astronomy With Directions for Practical Experiments and Telescopic Work by Henry White Warren
