retire

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To stop working permanently, usually because of age.

   My grandfather retired when he turned sixty-five.

2. 2
   verb

   To stop taking part in a sport or activity for good.

   The tennis champion decided to retire after the World Cup.

3. 3
   verb

   To stop using something old or worn out.

   They finally retired their old worn-out car.

Simplified etymology

Retire entered English in the mid-16th century from French retirer, formed from re-, “back,” and tirer, “draw.” It first meant to withdraw to a place of safety or seclusion. The sense of withdrawing from a job dates from the mid-17th century.

From Middle French retirer (“draw back”), from Old French retirer, built from re- (“back”) + tirer (“draw, pull”), the latter from Vulgar Latin *tīrāre, of highly uncertain origin.

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External links

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• Cambridge Dictionary
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