retard

American  

[ri-tahrd, ree-tahrd] / rɪˈtɑrd, ˈri tɑrd /

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

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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.

retard British  

verb

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

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noun

1. offensive a retarded person

2. offensive a foolish person

Sensitive Note

See retarded.

Other Word Forms

• retardingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of retard

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

Example Sentences

Their opposition to transportation projects and other infrastructure, though supposedly grounded in Jeffersonian principle, was a roundabout way of retarding industrial development and ensuring that slavery did not become an economic anachronism.

From Salon

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

He has also been receiving injections of a chemotherapy drug aimed at retarding the progress of his cancer and an osteoporosis medication to try to protect his bones.

From Washington Post

At the same time, rising temperatures are causing more precipitation to fall as rain, instead of snow, which retards fire.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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