Translate retire | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of retire
verb
1 [no object] leave one’s job and cease to work, typically upon reaching the normal age for leaving employment:he retired from the navy in 1966 [with object] compel (an employee) to leave their job, especially before they have reached the normal age for leaving employment:the home office retired him (of an athlete) cease to play competitively:he retired from football several years ago (of an athlete) withdraw from a race or match, typically as a result of accident or injury:he was forced to retire to the bench [with complement]:Stewart retired hurt [with object] Baseball put out (a batter); cause (a side) to end a turn at bat:the pitcher retired twelve batters in a row [with object] Economics withdraw (a bill or note) from circulation or currency. Finance pay off or cancel (a debt):the debt is to be retired from state gaming-tax receipts
2withdraw to or from a particular place:she retired into the bathroom with her toothbrush (of a military force) retreat from an enemy or an attacking position:lack of numbers compelled the cavalry to retire [with object] order (a military force) to retreat:the general retired all his troops (of a jury) leave the courtroom to decide the verdict of a trial. go to bed:everyone retired early that night
