Retard — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ri-ˈtärd/ re·tard

Meaning & Definition of Retard

Retard (verb)

  1. to delay or impede the development or progress of, to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or accomplishment
  2. to become delayed, to undergo retardation

Retard (noun)

  1. a holding back or slowing down, retardation
  2. a person affected with intellectual disability
  3. a foolish or stupid person

Retard (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cause to move or proceed at a less rapid pace

    "an herbicide to retard the growth of weeds"

    similar: brake, decelerate, slacken, slow
    related: halt, stop, encumber, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, obstruct, set back, tie up, bottleneck, arrest, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain, baffle, foil, frustrate, sabotage, thwart
    opposite: accelerate, hasten, hurry, quicken, rush, speed (up), step up
    near: drive, encourage, goad, propel, push, spur, stir, urge, advance, aid, dispatch, ease, expedite, facilitate, forward, further, help

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Retard

The most common words with a similar meaning to Retard:

brake, decelerate, slacken, slow

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Retard

Words with the opposite meaning of Retard:

accelerate, hasten, hurry, quicken, rush, speed (up), step up

Related Words for Retard

halt, stop, encumber, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold back, hold up, impede, inhibit, obstruct, set back, tie up, bottleneck, arrest, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain, baffle, foil, frustrate, sabotage, thwart

Near Antonyms of Retard

drive, encourage, goad, propel, push, spur, stir, urge, advance, aid, dispatch, ease, expedite, facilitate, forward, further, help

Word Forms of Retard

Inflections: retarded, retarding, retards

Derived words: retarder (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Retard

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French retarder, from Latin retardare, from re- + tardus slow

First known use: 15th centuryt

Words & Phrases Containing Retard

en retard

Frequently Asked Questions about Retard

What does "Retard" mean?

"Retard" means to delay or impede the development or progress of, to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or accomplishment. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to delay or impede the development or progress of, to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or accomplishment.

What is another word for "Retard"?

Other words for "Retard" include brake, decelerate, slacken and slow. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Retard" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Retard"?

There are 30 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Retard". Common alternatives include brake, decelerate, slacken and slow.

What is the opposite of "Retard"?

Antonyms of "Retard" include accelerate, hasten, hurry, quicken, rush, speed (up) and step up. Near antonyms include drive, encourage, goad and propel.

How do you use "Retard" in a sentence?

Examples of "Retard" in a sentence: "an herbicide to retard the growth of weeds".

Is "Retard" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Retard" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Retard"?

"Retard" is pronounced /ri-ˈtärd/ and divided into syllables as re·tard.

What is the origin of the word "Retard"?

"Retard" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French retarder, from Latin retardare, from re- + tardus slow. First known use: 15th centuryt.