[ri-tahrd, for 1–3, 5; ree-tahrd for 4] 
| 1. | to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede. |
| 2. | to be delayed. |
| 3. | a slowing down, diminution, or hindrance, as in a machine. |
| 4. | Slang: Disparaging.
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| 5. | 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. |
| re·tard 1 (rĭ-tärd') v. re·tard·ed, re·tard·ing, re·tards v. tr. To cause to move or proceed slowly; delay or impede. v. intr. To be delayed. n.
[Middle English retarden, from Old French retarder, from Latin retardāre : re-, re- + tardāre, to delay (from tardus, slow).] re·tard'er n. |
| re·tard 2 (rē'tärd') n. Offensive Slang
[Short for retarded.] |
tɑrd