Retire

Definition

The term "retire" describes the act of leaving one's job or ceasing to work, typically upon reaching a certain age, or withdrawing to a private or secluded place.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈtaɪr/
• Respelling: ri-TYR

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /rɪˈtaɪə/
• Respelling: ri-TY-uh

Etymology

The word "retire" originates from the Middle French "retirer," meaning "to draw back," composed of "re-" (back) and "tirer" (to draw). It was first used in English in the 16th century to mean withdrawing from a position or a place.

Derivatives

• Retirement (noun)
• Retiree (noun)
• Retirable (adjective)
• Unretired (adjective)
• Retiring (adjective)

Synonyms

• Withdraw
• Resign
• Retreat

Antonyms

• Work
• Advance
• Engage

Usage

The term "retire" is commonly used in professional and personal contexts. For example, "He plans to retire at the age of 65" (cease working) or "She decided to retire to her room after the long day" (withdraw to a private place).

Related Terms

• Resignation: The act of voluntarily leaving a position.
• Withdrawal: The act of retreating or pulling back.
• Pension: A regular payment made to retired employees.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To leave one's job or cease working: Refers to stopping employment, typically due to age or long service.
  • Example: "She will retire from the company after 30 years of service."
• To withdraw to a private place: Refers to moving to a secluded or personal space for rest or solitude.
  • Example: "After dinner, he retired to his study to read."
• To retreat from a position or activity: Refers to stepping back, often in a military or strategic sense.
  • Example: "The troops retired to a safer location after the skirmish."