Godan verb with 'ku' ending, Intransitive verb
to step back; to move back; to retreat
おじは去年教職を退いたが、それでも何とか大学での地位にしがみつこうとした。My uncle retired from teaching last year, but he still managed to hang onto a position at the university. to withdraw (from the presence of a superior); to leave; to exit
to resign; to retire; to quit
to concede
Also written 斥く【しりぞく】