retire

verb

re·tire | \ ri-ˈtī(-ə)r

retired; retiring

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: such 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

3a : to put out (a batter) in baseball

b : to cause (a side) to end a turn at bat in baseball

4 : to win permanent possession of (something, such as a trophy)

5 : to pay in full : settle retire a debt

Other Words from retire Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about retire

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Synonyms & Antonyms for retire

Synonyms

bed, crash [slang], doss (down) [chiefly British], turn in

Antonyms

arise, get up, rise, uprise

Examples of retire in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

After David retired, Darlene continued the tradition with The View cast. — Kayla Keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Watch Darlene Love's Breathtaking Performance of "Christmas" on 'The View'," 13 Dec. 2018 In June, Greg Orton, a climbing guidebook author and retired soil scientist, completed a draft scientific literature review and management guide for peregrines. — Ula Chrobak, Outside Online, "We're Overprotecting Birds at the Expense of Climbers," 12 July 2018 This week, political pundits were divided over Judge Brett Kavanaugh, President Donald Trump's nominee to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. — William Cummings, USA TODAY, "It's the Constitution, not Brett Kavanaugh liberals don't like, conservatives say," 11 July 2018 In Enrique's first transfer window, out went first team mainstays Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez, along with Victor Valdes and the retiring Carles Puyol. — SI.com, "How Luis Enrique Must Force Quick Transition to Stop Spain Returning to the Mediocre Years," 10 July 2018 Now retired, Earnhardt finished his racing career in 2017 as the 15-time most popular driver with an astonishing nearly 68 percent of the fan vote. — Michelle R. Martinelli, For The Win, "The biggest turning point in Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Steve Letarte's relationship," 10 July 2018 Meghan Trainor can officially retire her hit Dear Future Husband—because she's officially married. — Stacey Leasca, Glamour, "Meghan Trainor Is Married," 23 Dec. 2018 Blue Origin retired its last New Shepard in 2016, after launching and landing it five times. — Loren Grush, The Verge, "How to watch four rocket launches on a banner day for the space industry," 18 Dec. 2018 Her husband, Prince Philip, 97, has retired from public life and was not there. — Gregory Korte, USA TODAY, "Trumps meet Queen Elizabeth II, treated to royal pomp, pageantry and tea," 13 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'retire.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.