retard
v.v. to slow down the progress or development of something. You use this in technical or formal situations to describe things that delay growth or speed.
v. to delay or impede in terms of progress, development, or speed. Often used in technical contexts such as chemistry, physics, or music to describe a slowing effect.
The cold weather will retard the growth of the plants.
The chemical treatment is designed to retard the spread of fire across the wooden surface.
Economists argue that excessive regulation may retard the recovery of the housing market by discouraging new construction projects.
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. In music, the related term 'ritardando' is more common for describing a decrease in tempo.
The medicine retarded to the infection.The medicine retarded the infection.Retard is transitive and does not take the preposition 'to' before its object.