Retires

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

  1. Stops working or leaves a job permanently usually due to age or choice ; moves away from a position or situation to a more distant or sheltered place
  2. Leaves employment or ceases active duty often after reaching a certain age ; withdraws or recedes to a safer or less exposed area
  3. Ends a career or ends participation in an activity by choice or age ; moves back or retreats from a location or circumstance

Etymology: The term "retires" finds its roots in the Old French verb "retirer," which means "to withdraw." This French word itself derives from the Latin "retirare," composed of "re-" meaning "back" and "tirare," meaning "to pull." The etymology of this verb captures a sense of movement away from a position or a state, which is fitting given its modern connotations associated with stepping back from work or a role. The earliest known usage of "retire" in English dates back to the 14th century, where it primarily referred to withdrawing from a battle or a conflict. This sense of retreating into safety or seclusion paints a vivid picture of a soldier or a leader pulling back from the front lines. Over the centuries, the meaning expanded beyond the battlefield, encompassing various forms of withdrawal, including the act of stepping away from one’s professional duties, which is how we most commonly encounter the term today. By the 19th century, the word had firmly taken on its contemporary meaning of leaving one's job, particularly upon reaching a certain age or after long service. This shift reflects broader societal changes, including views on aging, work, and leisure. The concept of retirement became increasingly associated with the idea of enjoying the fruits of one’s labor, a transition from duty to personal fulfillment and rest. In modern usage, "retires" can also imply a broader withdrawal from any active role, not just in employment but in various aspects of life, marking a significant life change. Whether it refers to someone leaving a job, an athlete stepping back from competition, or even a public figure stepping out of the limelight, the foundational idea of retreating into a quieter phase remains central to the word's identity.

Synonyms: withdraws, leaves, resigns, steps down, quits

Antonyms: continues, remains, stays, persists, holds on