Re‐tire″ (?), v. i. 1. To go back or return; to draw back or away; to keep aloof; to withdraw or retreat, as from observation; to go into privacy; as, to retire to his home; to retire from the world, or from notice.
To Una back he cast him to retire. Spenser.
The mind contracts herself, and shrinketh in,
And to herself she gladly doth retire. Sir J. Davies.
2. To retreat from action or danger; to withdraw for safety or pleasure; as, to retire from battle.
Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die. 2 Sam. xi. 15.
3. To withdraw from a public station, or from business; as, having made a large fortune, he retired.
And from Britannia's public posts retire. Addison.
4. To recede; to fall or bend back; as, the shore of the sea retires in bays and gulfs.
5. To go to bed; as, he usually retires early.
Syn. — To withdraw; leave; depart; secede; recede; retreat; retrocede.