verb
retard
rih-TAHD
verb
1
To slow down the progress or development of something.
"Cold temperatures retard the growth of bacteria in food."
noun
1
A delay, or a slowing of pace.
"Engineers built in a slight retard to the ignition timing."
How to Use Retard
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo hold something back or make it happen more slowly.
When to use it
As a noun referring to a person, this word is an offensive slur and should be avoided entirely; the verb sense (to slow something down) is neutral and still used in technical and formal writing.
Common pairings
retard growth
retard progress
Word Forms
retarded past tense, retards plural, retards singular
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Etymology
From Latin retardare, "to make slow," from re- + tardus ("slow").