retire

[rɪˈtaɪə(r)]

retire Definition

  • 1to leave your job or stop working because of old age or ill health
  • 2to go to bed
  • 3to withdraw from a competition or activity

Using retire: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "retire" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He retired from teaching last year.

  • Example

    I usually retire around midnight.

  • Example

    The athlete decided to retire from the competition.

  • Example

    She plans to retire at the age of 65.

retire Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for retire

Antonyms for retire

Idioms Using retire

  • to force someone to retire, especially because they are old and no longer effective

    Example

    After years of service, he was put out to pasture and replaced by a younger employee.

  • hang up one's boots

    to retire from a job or an activity, especially a sport

    Example

    After a long and successful career, the football player decided to hang up his boots.

  • to stop doing something for the rest of the day, especially work

    Example

    It's been a long day, let's call it a day and continue tomorrow.

Phrases with retire

  • to go to bed

    Example

    After a long day at work, I usually retire for the night by 10 pm.

  • when someone is made to retire from their job, often because they have reached a certain age

    Example

    Many people are worried about forced retirement due to the pandemic's impact on the economy.

  • a financial plan that helps you save money for your retirement years

    Example

    It's important to start saving early and have a solid retirement plan in place.

Origins of retire

from Middle French 'retirer', meaning 'to withdraw'

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Summary: retire in Brief

To 'retire' [rɪˈtaɪə(r)] means to stop working, often due to old age or ill health. It can also mean to go to bed or withdraw from a competition. Examples include 'He retired from teaching last year' and 'I usually retire around midnight.' Phrases include 'retire for the night,' and idioms like 'put out to pasture,' which means to force someone to retire.

How do native speakers use this expression?