retard

1 of 2

verb

re·​tard ri-ˈtärd 

retarded; retarding; retards

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

retarder noun

retard

2 of 2

noun

re·​tard

plural retards

1

ri-ˈtärd  : a holding back or slowing down : retardation

2

ˈrē-ˌtärd  offensive : a person affected with intellectual disability

3

ˈrē-ˌtärd  informal + offensive : a foolish or stupid person

Synonyms of retard

Verb

• slow
• brake

Choose the Right Synonym for retard

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.

treatment that retards tumor growth

slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention,

she closed her eyes and slowed her breathing

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

But that approach is rather slow to respond and is limited to applying retarding force. — IEEE Spectrum, 26 June 2018

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for retard

• asgard
• backyard
• barnyard
• blackguard
• bombard
• brickyard
• canard
• churchyard
• coastguard
• courtyard
• debarred
• diehard

Kids Definition

retard

verb

re·​tard

ri-ˈtärd

: to slow up especially by preventing or checking progress : hinder

retarder noun

Medical Definition

retard

transitive verb

re·​tard ri-ˈtärd 

: to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or development

retard spoilage

retard hair loss