1 [no object] leave one’s job and cease to work, typically on reaching the normal age for leaving service:he retired from the Navy in 1986
[with object] compel (an employee) to leave their job, especially before they have reached retirement age:the Home Office retired him
(of a player) cease to participate in competitive sport:he retired from football several years ago
(of a sports player) withdraw from a race or match as a result of accident or injury:he was forced to retire with a damaged oil tank [with complement]:Stewart retired hurt
[with object] Baseball put out (a batter); cause (a side) to end a turn at bat:Dopson retired twelve batters in a row
2 [no object] withdraw to or from a particular place:she retired into the bathroom
go to bed:everyone retired early that night
(of a jury) leave the courtroom to decide the verdict of a trial:the judge finished his summing up and the jury retired
(of a military force) retreat from an enemy or an attacking position:lack of numbers compelled the British force to retire
[with object] order (a military force) to retreat:the general retired all his troops
3 [with object] Economics withdraw (a bill or note) from circulation or currency.
4 [with object] Finance pay off or cancel (a debt):the debt is to be retired from state gaming-tax receipts
