retard

Retard is an English verb meaning to slow or delay something. As a noun or adjective, it has been used in modern times as a pejorative slur directed at people with intellectual disabilities. The word is widely regarded as offensive and demeaning, and its use outside quoted or historical contexts is strongly discouraged.

Historically, the term appeared in medical and educational language as a clinical diagnosis, such as “mental retardation,” used in various DSM and ICD editions through much of the 20th century. In recent decades, diagnostic guidelines moved away from that terminology. The DSM-5 (2013) replaced it with “intellectual disability” and related phrases, and ICD revisions have followed suit. These changes reflect a shift toward person-first language and reduced stigma.

In contemporary usage, the term is typically avoided in respectful discourse. Many schools, workplaces, media organizations, and disability-rights advocates condemn its use and may prohibit it in official communications or online platforms. When encountered, it is usually treated as harassment or hate speech unless cited within a historical or analytical context.

Disability-rights communities emphasize terminology that acknowledges personhood and rights, preferring “intellectual disability” or “developmental disability” and descriptors focused on individual abilities and needs. The broader discussion around the word intersects with issues of ableism, stigma, and the pursuit of more inclusive language in society.