Retard
/rɪˈtɑːrd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo slow down or delay; to make something happen more slowly than expected or desired.
/rɪˈtɑːrd/
To delay or slow down the progress of something.
The heavy rain retarded the construction of the building.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to build a tower of blocks, and it's supposed to go up fast! If something *retards* it, it's like a force that slows it down, making it take longer.
👶 For kids: To make something go slower.
More Examples
The medication can retard the progression of the disease.
The traffic jam retarded our arrival at the airport.
How It's Used
"The use of additives can retard the setting time of concrete."
"His injuries retarded his recovery from the surgery."
An extremely offensive and outdated term for a person with intellectual disabilities. Use of this term is considered highly derogatory and insensitive.
/rɪˈtɑːrd/
An offensive and outdated term.
This word is considered offensive and should never be used. Use respectful and accurate language when referring to people with disabilities.
💡 Simply: It's like calling someone a really mean name because you think they learn or think differently. It's very, very wrong.
👶 For kids: A very bad word that you should never, ever say.
How It's Used
"The term was once used in medical and educational contexts, but its usage is now highly stigmatized."
From French *retarder* (“to delay, slow down”), from Latin *retardare* (“to make slow”), from *re-* (“back, again”) + *tardus* (“slow”). The word has evolved significantly in meaning, particularly in English. Its initial meaning was neutral, but its use to describe individuals with intellectual disabilities has made it a highly offensive term.
The word 'retard' was used in medical and educational contexts to describe individuals with intellectual disabilities. It is now considered a derogatory term.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'tardy' – both relate to being late or slow. Retard helps you visualize something's speed being decreased.
Word Origin
"to delay, slow down"