retard
retard Lexical Profile
retard Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To delay, impede, or hold back the progress, development, or accomplishment of something.
"Cold temperatures will significantly retard the germination of these seeds."
• noun
A person with an intellectual disability, or a foolish or socially inept person (dated and offensive).
"Using the word as a casual insult is widely condemned by disability advocacy groups."
A holding back, slowing down, or delay in progress, development, or timing (especially of an engine's ignition or a musical tempo).
"The mechanic adjusted the ignition timing to correct the excessive retard at high speeds."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a verb meaning 'to slow down or delay' (stressed on the second syllable), 'retard' remains standard in formal, technical, and scientific contexts (as in 'flame retardant'). However, as a noun (stressed on the first syllable) referring to a person with an intellectual disability or used as an insult, it is considered a deeply offensive slur in modern English.
• Rhymes for retard
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle French retarder, from Latin retardare ('to make slow, delay, or hinder'), formed from re- ('back') and tardus ('slow').