retard
word
REE-tard (noun), ri-TARD (verb)
REE-tahd (noun), ri-TAHD (verb)
Definition
To make something happen more slowly or later than expected; to delay or slow down a process. Note: As a noun or insult, this word is now considered highly offensive and should not be used.
Usage & Nuances
As a verb, 'retard' is formal and technical, common in scientific or engineering contexts ("retard the reaction"). Its use as a noun or insult is highly offensive, outdated, and never acceptable in modern conversation.
Spanish: retrasar - ralentizarPortuguese (BR): retardar - atrasarPortuguese (PT): retardar - atrasarChinese (Simplified): 延缓 - 阻碍Chinese (Traditional): 延緩 - 阻礙Hindi: धीमा करना - रोकनाArabic: يؤخِّر - يبطِّئBengali: বিলম্বিত করা - ধীর করাRussian: замедлять - задерживатьJapanese: 遅らせる - 遅延させるVietnamese: làm chậm lại - trì hoãnKorean: 지연시키다 - 늦추다Turkish: yavaşlatmak - geciktirmekUrdu: سست کرنا - تاخیر کرناIndonesian: memperlambat - menunda
Example Sentences
The medicine can retard the growth of bacteria.
basic
Low temperatures retard plant development.
basic
They added chemicals to retard the fire.
basic
Special coatings are used to retard rusting on iron.
natural
Using sunscreen helps retard skin aging caused by the sun.
natural
The government is taking steps to retard inflation.
natural