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retarded

Pronunciation: /rɪˈtɑːdɪd/
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Definition of retarded

adjective

  • less advanced in mental, physical, or social development than is usual for one’s age: the child is badly retarded they’re treated as if they’re mentally retarded perhaps I’m emotionally retarded
  • informal, offensive very foolish or stupid:in retrospect, it was a totally retarded idea

In the sense 'less advanced in development than is usual for one’s age', retarded dates from the late 19th century. It has acquired offensive connotations and has now been replaced by terms such as learning-disabled or having learning difficulties.

retarded in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of retarded in the US English dictionary
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