Give up work (6)
'give up work' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for retire that I've seen before include "Stop work - go to bed" , "Step down" , "climb the stairs" , "Pull back" , "Stop climbing the ladder" .)
(Other definitions for resign that I've seen before include "Step down" , "Turn over" , "Give up one's job" , "Abdicate" , "Give up position" .)