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retard

verb
re·​tard | \ ri-ˈtärd How to pronounce retard (audio) \
retarded; retarding; retards

Definition of retard

 (Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

: to delay or impede the development or progress of : to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or accomplishment chemicals to retard the spread of fire

intransitive verb

: to become delayed : to undergo retardation

retard

noun
re·​tard

Definition of retard (Entry 2 of 2)

1 \ ri-​ˈtärd How to pronounce ri-ˈtärd (audio) \ : a holding back or slowing down : retardation
2 \ ˈrÄ“-​ËŒtärd How to pronounce ˈrē-ˌtärd (audio) \ offensive : a person affected with mental retardation
3 \ ˈrÄ“-​ËŒtärd How to pronounce ˈrē-ˌtärd (audio) \ informal, usually offensive : a foolish or stupid person
Other Words from retard Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about retard

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Other Words from retard

Verb

retarder noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for retard

Synonyms: Verb

brake, decelerate, slacken, slow

Antonyms: Verb

accelerate, hasten, hurry, quicken, rush, speed (up), step up

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Choose the Right Synonym for retard

Verb

delay, retard, slow, slacken, detain mean to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress. delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival. bad weather delayed our arrival retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping. language barriers retarded their progress slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention medication slowed the patient's heart rate , slacken an easing up or relaxing of power or effort. on hot days runners slacken their pace detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time. unexpected business had detained her

Examples of retard in a Sentence

Verb

 The chemical will retard the spread of fire. The problems have retarded the progress of the program.

First Known Use of retard

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for retard

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French retarder, from Latin retardare, from re- + tardus slow

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More Definitions for retard

retard

verb
How to pronounce retard (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of retard

 (Entry 1 of 2)

formal : to slow down the development or progress of (something)

retard

noun

English Language Learners Definition of retard (Entry 2 of 2)

informal + offensive : a person who has slow mental development also : a stupid or foolish person

See the full definition for retard in the English Language Learners Dictionary

retard

verb
re·​tard | \ ri-ˈtärd How to pronounce retard (audio) \
retarded; retarding

Kids Definition of retard

: to slow down : delay Bad weather retarded our progress.

retard

transitive verb
re·​tard | \ ri-ˈtärd How to pronounce retard (audio) \

Medical Definition of retard

: to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or development retard spoilage retard hair loss

More from Merriam-Webster on retard

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with retard

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for retard

Spanish Central: Translation of retard

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