retard

/ri-ˈtärd/

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French retarder, from Latin retardare, from re- + tardus slow

verb

  1. to delay or impede the development or progress of : to slow up especially by preventing or hindering advance or accomplishment

  2. to become delayed : to undergo retardation

chemicals to retard the spread of fire

delay retard slow slacken detain mean to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress. delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival. retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping.

noun

  1. a holding back or slowing down : retardation

  2. a person affected with intellectual disability

  3. a foolish or stupid person

French adjective

  1. behind time : late