Definitions for the word "retire" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. v. t.
To withdraw; to take away; -- sometimes used reflexively.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v. t.
To withdraw from circulation, or from the market; to take up and pay; as, to retire bonds; to retire a note.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v. t.
To cause to retire; specifically, to designate as no longer qualified for active service; to place on the retired list; as, to retire a military or naval officer.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v. i.
To go back or return; to draw back or away; to keep aloof; to withdraw or retreat, as from observation; to go into privacy; as, to retire to his home; to retire from the world, or from notice.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v. i.
To retreat from action or danger; to withdraw for safety or pleasure; as, to retire from battle.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. i.
To withdraw from a public station, or from business; as, having made a large fortune, he retired.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. i.
To recede; to fall or bend back; as, the shore of the sea retires in bays and gulfs.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
To go to bed; as, he usually retires early.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
The act of retiring, or the state of being retired; also, a place to which one retires.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
A call sounded on a bugle, announcing to skirmishers that they are to retire, or fall back.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v.
(-ring) 1 a leave office or employment, esp. Because of age. B cause (a person) to retire from work. 2 withdraw, go away, retreat. 3 seek seclusion or shelter. 4 go to bed. 5 withdraw (troops). 6 cricket (of a batsman) voluntarily end or be compelled to suspend one''s innings. retire into oneself become uncommunicative or unsociable. [french tirer draw]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
Dictionary entries nearby:
Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "retire" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "retire" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history.
The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.
Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "retire") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brands mentioned on the page. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.