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.

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 Word Forms

• retardingly 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

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

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

Related Words

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