What is the single word for "make something slow"? [closed]

Solution 1:

The word slow itself can be used as a verb. It is an antonym for quicken

Slow, from M-W

verb
to make (something, such as a car) move at a lower speed; to begin to move at a lower speed; to become slower

"the car slowed to a halt"

Solution 2:

You can also technically use "retard", but people will probably more often associate this with mental disability.

Retard, from M-W

verb
to slow down the development or progress of (something)

Solution 3:

If you mean to actively intervene and make something else slower, you can use impede. From Merriam-Webster:

Impede

To slow the movement, progress, or action of (someone or something)

Transitive verb - To interfere with or slow the progress of

• He claims that economic growth is being impeded by government regulations.
• The soldiers could not impede the enemy's advance.

For example, you could say "We thought that hiring more staff would quicken progess on this project, but actually, the extra hassle has impeded us".

This is a good choice if you want to emphasise that one thing is making another, different, separate thing slower (as opposed to something slowing naturally).

It's often used for abstract things. For example, "to impede progress" is a pretty common phrase.

Solution 4:

Consider, hamper

To slow the movement, progress, or action of (someone or something.)

Construction is hampering traffic on the highway.

Merriam-Webster

Solution 5:

There is also decelerate, which is the opposite of accelerate.

From M-W

verb
to move slower : to lose speed