retard
C1/C2VERY CAUTIONARY: The noun form is a highly offensive slur and should be avoided in all but historical or clinical citation. The verb is formal/technical; most contexts prefer synonyms like 'delay' or 'slow'.
Definition
Meaning
To delay or slow the progress, development, or movement of something; to hinder.
1) (noun, offensive) A pejorative, deeply offensive term for a person with an intellectual disability or developmental delay, now considered a slur. 2) (technical noun) In physics/engineering, something that causes retardation (slowing). 3) (verb) To delay, slow down, or impede.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary semantic evolution is from a neutral verb/noun meaning 'to slow' to a clinical noun for a person with a developmental disability, which then became a widespread and deeply hurtful pejorative. The verb remains in technical use (e.g., chemistry, engineering). Modern usage of the noun is almost exclusively derogatory.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The slur is equally offensive in both varieties. The verb 'retard' is slightly more likely in American technical contexts (e.g., 'flame retardant').
Connotations
Identically and intensely pejorative for the noun. The verb can sound formal or old-fashioned.
Frequency
The verb form is low-frequency. The noun, as a slur, has high recognition but is (or should be) near-zero in polite/professional usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
retard + noun (object)be retarded by + agentVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(technical) Flame retardant (material that resists combustion).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Avoid verb; use 'delay' or 'slow'. The noun is unacceptable.
Academic
Verb possible in technical fields (chemistry, physics). Noun only in historical/clinical discussions of terminology.
Everyday
The noun is a severe slur. The verb sounds formal; 'slow down' is preferred.
Technical
Verb and technical noun (e.g., 'retardant', 'retardation') acceptable in specific fields (materials science, engineering, psychology).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Cold weather can retard the germination of seeds.
- The government was accused of taking measures that would retard economic recovery.
American English
- The chemical additive is used to retard the spread of flames.
- Poor funding will significantly retard the research project.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; 'retardedly' is non-standard and offensive.)
American English
- (Not standard; 'retardedly' is non-standard and offensive.)
adjective
British English
- (Historically clinical, now avoided) The term 'retarded growth' has been replaced by 'delayed growth'.
- (Technical) They tested flame-retardant fabrics.
American English
- (Technical) Flame-retardant materials are required in children's pyjamas.
- (Avoided) Using 'retarded' as a descriptor for people is unacceptable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not introduced at this level due to offensive potential.)
- (Not introduced at this level. Teach 'slow down' or 'delay' instead.)
- The new regulations may retard investment in the sector. (Formal/CAUTION)
- Scientists are studying compounds that can retard the aging process. (Technical)
- The lack of infrastructure continues to retard the region's development. (Formal)
- In polymer science, plasticisers can sometimes retard crystallisation. (Technical)
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TARDY person who is late. RE-TARD means to make something late or slow AGAIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION; to retard is to apply a brake or obstacle to that motion.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Russian 'ретардация' is a technical/medical term, not a common slur. However, direct translation of the English noun as 'ретард' is understood as the offensive English borrowing, not a native Russian word.
- The verb 'retard' is false friend with Russian 'ретардировать' which is a very rare, specialized term. Use 'задерживать', 'замедлять' instead.
Common Mistakes
- Using the noun in any contemporary context without explicit, justifiable scholarly purpose.
- Confusing the verb ('retard the reaction') with the adjective ('retarded growth' – now also often avoided).
- Misspelling as 'retarted'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'retard' potentially acceptable today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The noun is a deeply offensive slur and should not be used. The verb is formal/technical and is still used in specific scientific and academic fields (e.g., 'flame retardant', 'retard the reaction'), though many style guides recommend alternatives like 'delay' or 'inhibit' even in technical writing to avoid any potential offense.
It entered English from French ('retarder') in the 15th century as a verb meaning 'to delay'. By the late 19th/early 20th century, it was adopted as a clinical term for people with intellectual disabilities (e.g., 'mentally retarded'). This clinical term was widely used but eventually became a common insult, leading to its rejection in medicine (replaced by terms like 'intellectual disability') and its status as a powerful slur in general society.
If referring to a person, use person-first, respectful language as defined by the community, such as 'a person with an intellectual disability' or 'a person with a developmental delay'. Never use 'retard' as a noun for a person.
Common synonyms include 'delay', 'slow (down)', 'hold up', 'set back', 'hinder', or 'impede'. Choose the word that best fits your context.
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