B1verb2K

Retire

UK /["/rɪˈtaɪə(r)/","/rɪˈtaɪəz/","/rɪˈtaɪəd/","/rɪˈtaɪərɪŋ/"]/US /["/rɪˈtaɪər/","/rɪˈtaɪərz/","/rɪˈtaɪərd/","/rɪˈtaɪərɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to leave your job and stop working, especially because you have reached a particular age or because you are ill; to tell somebody they must stop doing their job

In simple words: To stop working after many years, usually because of age.

Examples

  • After working for over thirty years, she decided to retire from her job.
  • He plans to retire early so he can travel the world.
  • Many athletes retire from professional sports when they reach their thirties.
  • When someone retires, they often look for new hobbies to fill their time.
  • The company encouraged employees to retire after reaching a certain age.

Usage notes

Commonly used when someone reaches a certain age or financial security. It’s more formal than casual speech; avoid in light-hearted contexts.

Grammar pattern

retire + object (usually implied: 'from work')

Memory hint

Think of 'retire' like 're-tire' — getting new tires after driving too long.

Collocations

  • early
  • recently
  • officially
  • be forced to
  • be obliged to
  • have to
  • as
  • at
  • from
  • newly retired
  • recently retired
  • be medically retired

Synonyms

  • withdraw
  • disengage
  • stop working
  • take a break
  • rest

Antonyms

  • work
  • engage

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'retiree' as the same as 'retire'.
  • Using 'retire' with non-human subjects, like a company or organization.
  • Saying 'retire from' without specifying what job or career.