retire
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.


re·tire

verb \ri-ˈtī(-ə)r\
re·tiredre·tir·ing

Definition of RETIRE

intransitive verb
1
: to withdraw from action or danger : retreat
2
: to withdraw especially for privacy <retired to her room>
3
: to move back : recede
4
: to withdraw from one's position or occupation : conclude one's working or professional career
5
: to go to bed
transitive verb
1
: withdraw: as
a : to march (a military force) away from the enemy
b : to withdraw from circulation or from the market : recall <retire a bond>
c : to withdraw from usual use or service
2
: to cause to retire from one's position or occupation
3
a : to put out (a batter or batsman) in baseball or cricket
b : to cause (a side) to end a turn at bat in baseball
4
: to win permanent possession of (as a trophy)
5
: to pay in full : settle <retire a debt>

Examples of RETIRE

  1. I want to be healthy when I retire.
  2. She had to retire during the first set because of a muscle strain.
  3. The Navy is retiring the old battleship.
  4. The manufacturer plans to retire that car model in a few years.
  5. The team is retiring his jersey number in honor of his great career.

Origin of RETIRE

Middle French retirer, from re- + tirer to draw
First Known Use: 1533

Related to RETIRE

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: retired
Previous Word in the Dictionary: retirant
All Words Near: retire

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up retire? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

#6: Flabbergast
: to overwhelm with shock,
surprise, or wonder
See All Top 25 Entries »
Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More