Retard Meaning

Retard

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To delay or slow down the progress of something or someone.
2. To cause something to happen more slowly or to be less effective.
3. In outdated or offensive contexts, the term was historically used to describe a person with intellectual disabilities (now considered derogatory and inappropriate).

History and Origin

The word “retard” comes from the Latin retardare, meaning “to slow down” or “to delay,” from re- (meaning “back”) and tardare (meaning “to make slow”). It was first used in English in the early 17th century in the context of slowing down or delaying. The term has been widely used in scientific and technical contexts, such as in the phrase “to retard the growth” or “to retard the process.” However, its use in referring to people with intellectual disabilities has been criticized for being offensive and outdated. Today, more appropriate and respectful terms are used to refer to individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities.

Detailed Explanation

“Retard” primarily means to slow down or delay something. It can be applied to a wide range of contexts, such as slowing the development of a process, reducing the speed of an event, or hindering progress. For example, one might say that certain environmental conditions could “retard the growth” of plants, meaning those conditions slow down or limit the plants’ development.

In the past, “retard” was used in clinical or medical contexts to refer to individuals with intellectual or developmental delays. However, this use is now considered offensive, and modern terminology such as “intellectual disability” or “developmental delay” is preferred.

Example Sentences

1. The heavy traffic retarded our journey, making us late for the meeting.
2. The cold weather is expected to retard the plant’s growth.
3. The lack of proper funding has retarded the project’s progress.
4. Advances in technology helped to retard the spread of the disease.
5. His injury severely retarded his athletic career.
6. Delays in production could retard the launch of the new product.
7. His negative attitude seemed to retard the progress of the team.
8. Efforts to improve infrastructure may not significantly retard the damage caused by the storm.
9. The new safety measures are designed to retard the spread of fire in the building.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Delay – To cause something to happen at a later time than expected.
2. Hinder – To create obstacles that slow or prevent progress.
3. Slow down – To reduce the speed or pace of something.
4. Impair – To weaken or diminish the effectiveness or quality of something.
5. Restrict – To limit or control the extent of something, often slowing its progress.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Obstruct – To block or prevent the progress of something.
2. Restrain – To hold back or limit progress or movement.
3. Deter – To discourage or prevent progress, often through fear or doubt.
4. Encumber – To weigh down or slow down progress.
5. Check – To stop or slow something, often temporarily.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Lessen – To reduce or diminish something, often in terms of effectiveness or speed.
2. Inhibit – To restrict or slow down the action or development of something.
3. Prevent – To stop something from happening or progressing.
4. Frustrate – To prevent something from progressing as planned, often causing delays.
5. Undermine – To weaken or damage something gradually, often retarding its success.

Antonyms

1. Accelerate
2. Speed up
3. Enhance
4. Facilitate
5. Advance