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
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.
Example
It's been a long day, let's call it a day and continue tomorrow.
Phrases with retire
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'
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.