retire
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to stop working permanently, usually because you have reached a certain age.
to leave one's job and cease to work, typically upon reaching the normal age for leaving employment.
Simple“My father plans to retire next year after forty years with the same company.”
In context“After decades of service in the public sector, she decided to retire and devote her time to local environmental projects.”
UsageIntransitive; often used with 'from' to indicate the profession or company.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
to stop playing a professional sport or competing in matches.
to cease professional participation in a sport or competitive activity.
Simple“The champion decided to retire from tennis while she was still at the top of her game.”
In context“Injuries forced the star striker to retire prematurely, much to the disappointment of the club's supporters.”
UsageIntransitive; frequently used with 'from' followed by the name of the sport.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to go to a quiet place where you can be alone or private.
to withdraw to or seek seclusion in a private or quiet place.
Simple“After the long dinner party, the host retired to the library for a quiet drink.”
In context“The jury retired to consider their verdict after hearing three weeks of conflicting testimony.”
UsageIntransitive; usually followed by 'to' and a location.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
to go to bed at the end of the day.
to go to bed for the night.
Simple“It has been a very long day, so I think I will retire now.”
In context“The guests retired early, exhausted by the high altitude and the day's strenuous hike.”
Teacher's tipThis is a very formal way to say 'go to bed' and is rarely used in casual conversation.
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
to stop using or producing something because it is old or no longer needed.
to withdraw something from use, service, or circulation.
Simple“The airline decided to retire its older planes to save on fuel costs.”
In context“The central bank will retire the old banknotes as the new polymer versions are distributed to the public.”
UsageTransitive; requires a direct object.
- 06 C1 Advanced
to make a play that results in a player being out.
to make a play that puts a batter or runner out.
Simple“The pitcher managed to retire the last three batters in a row.”
In context“The defense successfully retired the side in the bottom of the ninth, securing a narrow victory.”
UsageTransitive; specifically used in baseball and cricket contexts.
Synonyms
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.
From re- + tire.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.