to retire from military service; to leave one's post
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesverb
to retire from military service; to take off one's armor
formalLiteral meaning refers to a soldier removing his armor. Modern usage is a figurative, formal term for a soldier retiring.
After campaigning for thirty years, the general finally decided to retire from military service and return to farming.
This veteran with distinguished service will officially retire from the army next month.
verb
to retire from a specific role or career (especially in sports or competitive fields)
formalExtended meaning, often used in news reports about athletes or professionals retiring. The ◇ symbol in the input indicates this figurative use.
Due to increasing injuries, this veteran player plans to retire after this season.
Several meritorious players of the women's volleyball team retired from the team one after another, and the team entered a period of transition between old and new players.