1. to delay or slow the progress or development of something
Usage: formal

1. a delay or slowing of progress
Usage: formal; technical
2. a person with intellectual disabilities
Usage: offensive; outdated

Examples

• The cold weather will retard the growth of the plants.
• Heavy traffic retarded our progress to the airport.
• The medication can retard the progression of the disease.
• Economic sanctions may retard the country’s development.
• The fire retardant helped slow the spread of flames.
• There was a significant retard in the project timeline.
• The engine experienced a timing retard at high speeds.