retire
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /rɪˈtaɪə/
KK: /rɪˈtaɪr/
intransitive verb
Definition
To stop working, usually because of age, and often to receive a pension or retirement benefits.
Example
After many years of service, she decided to retire and enjoy her time traveling.
Tense Forms
Past: retired
Past Participle: retired
Conversation
I'm thinking about how nice it would be to retire somewhere warm.
That sounds amazing! Do you have a specific place in mind?
Maybe a beach house where I can just relax all day and retire from work stress.
Count me in! That would be the perfect getaway.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
withdraw
recede
retreat
Antonyms
advance
approach
engage
transitive verb
Definition
To cause someone or something to stop working or to leave a position, especially after reaching a certain age or after a long period of service.
Example
After many years of hard work, she decided to retire from her job and enjoy her free time.
Tense Forms
Past: retired
Past Participle: retired
Conversation
Did you hear they're going to retire that old stadium?
Yeah, it's about time; it's been falling apart for years.
I wonder what they'll do with the land after they retire it.
Root Explanation
Retire → It is formed from "re-" (meaning back or again) and "tirare" (meaning to pull or draw). The word originally described the act of pulling back or withdrawing, hence the modern meaning of withdrawing from work or duty.
Memory Tip
Think of 'pulling back' ('tirare') again ('re-') — that's why retire means to withdraw from work.
Visually Confused Words
pretire
reattire
rewire
retrue
retree
retare
restir
refire