Main Entry: ¹re·tard

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈtärd\

Function: verb

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

Date: 15th century

transitive verb 1 : to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or accomplishment : impede
2 : to delay academic progress by failure to promoteintransitive verb : to undergo retardation

synonyms see delay

— re·tard·er noun