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retardate

noun

re·​tar·​date ri-ˈtär-ˌdāt How to pronounce retardate (audio) -dət How to pronounce retardate (audio)
dated, now offensive
: a person affected with intellectual disability

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retardate was in 1912

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retardate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retardate. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

Medical Definition

retardate

noun
re·​tar·​date ri-ˈtärd-ˌāt How to pronounce retardate (audio) -ət How to pronounce retardate (audio)
dated, now offensive
: a person affected with intellectual disability
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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