re·tire / riˈtīr/ • v. 1. [intr.] leave one's job and cease to work, typically upon reaching the normal age for leaving employment: he retired from the navy in 1966. ∎  [tr.] compel (an employee) to leave their job, esp. before they have reached such an age: the home office retired him. ∎  (of an athlete) cease to play competitively: he retired from football several years ago. ∎  (of an athlete) withdraw from a race or match, typically as a result of accident or injury: he was forced to retire to the bench | Stewart retired hurt. ∎  [tr.] Baseball put out (a batter); cause (a side) to end a turn at bat: the pitcher retired twelve batters in a row. ∎  [tr.] Econ. withdraw (a bill or note) from circulation or currency. ∎ Finance pay off or cancel (a debt): the debt is to be retired from state gaming-tax receipts.2. withdraw to or from a particular place: she retired into the bathroom with her toothbrush. ∎  (of a military force) retreat from an enemy or an attacking position: lack of numbers compelled the cavalry to retire. ∎  [tr.] order (a military force) to retreat: the general retired all his troops. ∎  (of a jury) leave the courtroom to decide the verdict of a trial. ∎  go to bed: everyone retired early that night.DERIVATIVES: re·tir·er n.

retire draw back, withdraw. XVI. — (O)F. retirer, f. RE- + tirer draw.
Hence retiral (-AL2) XVII, retirement XVI.