re|tire

re|tire «rih TYR», verb, -tired, -tir|ing.

–v.i.

1. to give up an office or occupation, especially because of approaching old age: »

Our teachers retire at 65. You and your wife…look forward to the day when you can retire (Newsweek).

2. to go away, especially to a place which is more quiet: »

She retired to the country. The Roman senators still retired in the winter season to the warm sun, and the salubrious springs, of Baiæ (Edward Gibbon).

SYNONYM(S): See syn. under depart. (Cf. ↑depart)

3. to go back; retreat: »

The enemy retired before the advance of our troops.

4. to go to bed: »

We retire early.

5. to recede or appear to recede: »

Gradually the shore retired from view.

–v.t.

1. to remove from an office or occupation.

2. to withdraw; draw back; send back: »

The government retires worn or torn dollar bills from use.

3. to withdraw from circulation and pay off (bonds, loans, or other securities).

4. to put out (a batter or side) in baseball and cricket.

╂[< Middle French retirer < re- back + tirer draw < Vulgar Latin tirāre, perhaps < a Germanic word]

–re|tir´er, noun.