retard

[ ri-tahrd, ree-tahrd ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede.

   Synonyms: check, obstruct

   Antonyms: accelerate

verb (used without object)

1. to be delayed.

noun

1. a slowing down, diminution, or hindrance, as in a machine.
2. Slang: Disparaging and Offensive.
   1. a contemptuous term used to refer to a person who is cognitively impaired.
   2. a person who is stupid, obtuse, or ineffective in some way.
3. Automotive, Machinery. an adjustment made in the setting of the distributor of an internal-combustion engine so that the spark for ignition in each cylinder is generated later in the cycle. Compare advance ( def 28 ).

retard

verb

1. tr to delay or slow down (the progress, speed, or development) of (something)

noun

1. offensive.
   a retarded person
2. offensive.
   a foolish person

Sensitive Note

See retarded.

Other Words From

• re·tarding·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of retard¹

First recorded in 1480–90; from Latin retardāre to delay, protract, equivalent to re- re- + tardāre “to loiter, be slow,” derivative of tardus “slow”; tardy

Word History and Origins

Origin of retard¹

C15: from Old French retarder , from Latin retardāre , from re- + tardāre to make slow, from tardus sluggish; see tardy

Example Sentences

The caller said he wished to “send a message” that “BLM is a bunch of retards.”

From Los Angeles Times

History suggests, in fact, that Euro-American liberal democracies have played a significant role in retarding democratic progress elsewhere.

From Salon

“What are you two retards doing over there?”

From Literature

Prior Vital Dufour, who was ordained Cardinal of the Catholic church by Pope Clement in 1313, once listed 40 of the virtues of Armagnac including: "It renders man joyous, preserves youth and retards senility."

From BBC

That drove prices in Europe and Asia to all-time highs earlier this year, fanning inflationary pressure and retarding efforts by countries to switch to gas from coal to reduce pollution and carbon emissions.

From Reuters

Related Words

• choke off
• crimp
• decelerate
• hamper
• impede
• lessen