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retards - 3 dictionary results

re⋅tard

  [ri-tahrd, for 1–3, 5; ree-tahrd for 4]
Use retards in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede.
–verb (used without object)
2. to be delayed.
–noun
3. a slowing down, diminution, or hindrance, as in a machine.
4. Slang: Disparaging.
a. a mentally retarded person.
b. a person who is stupid, obtuse, or ineffective in some way: a hopeless social retard.
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.
Compare advance.

Origin:
1480–90; < L retardāre to delay, protract, equiv. to re- re- + tardāre to loiter, be slow, deriv. of tardus slow; see tardy

Related forms:
re⋅tard⋅ing⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. obstruct, check.

Antonyms:
1. accelerate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To retards
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.  
  1. A slowing down or hindering of progress; a delay.
  2. Music A slackening of tempo.

[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
  1. Used as a disparaging term for a mentally retarded person.
  2. A person considered to be foolish or socially inept.

[Short for retarded.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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