retarded
[ ri-tahr-did ]
/ rɪˈtɑr dɪd /
adjective
characterized by a slowness or limitation in intellectual understanding and awareness, emotional development, academic progress, etc.
Slang. stupid or foolish.
noun
(used with a plural verb) people who are slow or limited in mental development (usually preceded by the): new schools for the retarded.
Nearby words
retard, retardance, retardant, retardate, retardation, retarded, retarded dentition, retardee, retarder, retarget, retch
SYNONYMS FOR retarded
Related formsnon·re·tard·ed, adjectiveun·re·tard·ed, adjective
Usage note
In reference to low intellectual ability, the terms retarded, retardation, and mental retardation are now usually perceived as insulting. There are several acceptable alternatives. In general, someone with a mental, physical, or emotional disability may be described as developmentally disabled, or as a person with a developmental disability. If it is specifically a mental disability, the person may be described as cognitively impaired or intellectually (or mentally) disabled. Such a person may be referred to as an individual with a cognitive impairment or a person with an intellectual (or mental) disability. The slang term retard is a term of abuse used especially by children, though much less commonly than in the past. In both of its meanings, retard is perceived as insulting to disabled people. See also cripple.
Definition for retarded (2 of 2)
retard
[ ri-tahrd, for 1–3, 5; ree-tahrd for 4 ]
/ rɪˈtɑrd, for 1–3, 5; ˈri tɑrd for 4 /
verb (used with object)
to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede.
verb (used without object)
to be delayed.
noun
a slowing down, diminution, or hindrance, as in a machine.
Slang: Disparaging and Offensive.
- a contemptuous term used to refer to a person who is cognitively impaired.
- a person who is stupid, obtuse, or ineffective in some way: a hopeless social retard.
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.
Compare advance.
Origin of retard
Related formsre·tard·ing·ly, adverb
Usage note
See retarded.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for retarded (1 of 2)
retarded
/ (rɪˈtɑːdɪd) /
adjective
underdeveloped, esp mentally and esp having an IQ of 70 to 85See also ESN, mental handicap, subnormal (def. 2)
British Dictionary definitions for retarded (2 of 2)
retard
verb (rɪˈtɑːd)
(tr) to delay or slow down (the progress, speed, or development) of (something)
noun (ˈriːtɑːd)
US offensive a retarded person
US offensive a foolish person
Word Origin for retard
C15: from Old French retarder, from Latin retardāre, from re- + tardāre to make slow, from tardus sluggish; see tardy
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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