Retard
/rɪˈtɑrd/
verbnounC2
Definition
The verb "retard" means to make something happen more slowly or to delay progress. It is often used in technical or formal contexts to describe slowing down a process or development. As a noun, it can mean a factor that causes delay. Note that when used to describe people, it is an offensive term and should be avoided.
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See It in Action
To slow down a process or movement
- •The cold weather can retard the growth of plants.
- •Adding ice will retard the melting of the ice cream.
- •The new law might retard economic development in some areas.
(Noun) Something that causes delay or slowing
- •The traffic jam was a retard to our arrival time.
- •Mechanical problems acted as a retard to the project’s progress.
(Offensive noun) A hurtful term for a person with intellectual disabilities (avoid using)
- •This use is considered rude and disrespectful and should not be used.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "retard" like "slow" (A1 word), but more formal and often about processes or growth, not just speed
- ✓Picture a car that slows down because of heavy traffic or a red light blocking it
- ✓It’s like the feeling of waiting longer than expected because something is holding you back
- ✓Sounds like "re-TARD" → imagine a tug pulling back to slow down a running horse
- ✓In stories, a character might face obstacles that retard their journey, making it harder to reach a goal
- ✓NOT like "stop" (which means to end completely), "retard" means to slow down but still continue
- ✓NOT like "delay" (which can be a short pause), "retard" often means a more lasting slowing effect
- ✓When used about people, it is NOT a neutral or kind word; it is hurtful and disrespectful
Try Other Words
- •Delay: to make something happen later (Use when the focus is on waiting or postponing)
- •Slow down: to reduce speed or progress (Use in everyday speech for general slowing)
- •Hinder: to create difficulties that slow progress (Use when something causes obstacles)
- •Impede: to block or slow movement or progress (Use in formal or technical contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "re-" (back, again) + "tard" (from Latin root meaning slow or late)
- •Etymology: From Latin "retardare," meaning to make slow or keep back
- •Historical development: Originally neutral and used in science and engineering to describe slowing processes; over time, the word also became a rude term for people with disabilities
- •Modern usage: Mostly used in technical or formal writing to mean slow down; offensive as a term for people and should be avoided in everyday language
Reflect & Connect
•How can slowing down (retarding) a process sometimes be helpful rather than harmful?
•Why is it important to avoid using words like "retard" to describe people, and how can language respect others better?
Fill in the blanks
1.Cold temperatures can retard the ___ of plants by making them grow more slowly.
2.When you add ice to a drink, it can retard the ___ of warming.
3.The heavy rain was a retard to the ___ of the outdoor event.
4.Unlike "stop," to retard something means it ___ but at a slower speed.
5.The word "retard" is offensive when used to describe ___ and should be avoided.
6.Engineers sometimes use materials that retard fire to ___ damage.
7.If a project is retarded by poor planning, it means the project is ___ because of delays.