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American Dictionary of the English Language

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Retard


RET'ARD, verb transitive [Latin retardo; re and tardo, to delay, tardus, slow, late. See Target.]

1. To diminish the velocity of motion; to hinder; to render more slow in progress; as, to retard the march of an army; to retard the motion of a ship. The resistance of air retards the velocity of a cannon ball. It is opposed to accelerate.

2. To delay; to put off; to render more late; as, to retard the attacks of old age; to retard a rupture between nations. My visit was retarded by business.

RET'ARD, verb intransitive To stay back. [Not in use.]