retard

Retard is an offensive and insulting slang word used to refer to someone with mental challenges.

(noun)

A person with a very low IQ who suffers from a number of mental disabilities is an example of someone who might be described as a retard by those who are vulgar and not politically correct.

To retard is to prevent progress or growth.

(verb)

When you starve a plant in order to prevent it from growing and thriving, this is an example of a time when you retard the growth of the plant.

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See retard in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

to hinder, delay, or slow the advance or progress of

Origin: LME retarden < OFr retarder < L retardare < re-, back + tardare, to make slow < tardus, slow: see tardy

intransitive verb

to be delayed or undergo retardation

noun

  1. a retarding; delay
  2. Slang
    1. a retarded person: an offensive term of contempt
    2. a stupid or foolish person

See retard in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb re·tard·ed, re·tard·ing, re·tards
verb, transitive
To cause to move or proceed slowly; delay or impede.
verb, intransitive
To be delayed.
noun
  1. A slowing down or hindering of progress; a delay.
  2. Music A slackening of tempo.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English retarden

Origin: , from Old French retarder

Origin: , from Latin retardāre

Origin: : re-, re-

Origin: + tardāre, to delay (from tardus, slow)

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Related Forms:

  • re·tardˈer noun

noun
Offensive Slang
  1. Used as a disparaging term for a mentally retarded person.
  2. A person considered to be foolish or socially inept.

Origin:

Origin: Short for retarded

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