Meaning & Definition of word "Retire"

Retire

/rɪˈtaɪər/

verb:

  • 1. to leave one's job or cease working, typically due to age or after reaching a certain length of service.
    • Example: After 30 years of dedicated service, she decided to retire from her position.
  • 2. to withdraw from circulation, usage, or activity.
    • Example: The company decided to retire the old model of the product due to safety concerns.
  • 3. to go to bed.
    • Example: He likes to retire early to get plenty of rest before the big day.
  • 4. to take a creature or a person out of a position of engagement or activity.
    • Example: The retired racehorse now spends its days grazing in the pasture.

Etymology

From Middle French 'retirer', meaning 'to withdraw'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

retire from work:

To stop working after a long time of service.

retire gracefully:

To leave a position without causing trouble.

retirement fund:

A savings account or investment set aside for retirement.

Related Words

retirement:

The action or fact of leaving one's job and ceasing to work.

pension:

A regular payment made during a person's retirement from an investment fund.

Slang Meanings of retire

Meaning: Hang up your hat

Example Sentence: After years of hard work, it's time to hang up my hat.

Meaning: Hit the hay

Example Sentence: I'm ready to hit the hay now that I've retired.