retreat

1 of 2

noun

re·​treat ri-ˈtrēt 

1

a(1)

: an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable

(2)

: the process of receding from a position or state attained

the retreat of a glacier

b(1)

: the usually forced withdrawal of troops from an enemy or from an advanced position

(2)

: a signal for retreating

c(1)

: a signal given by bugle at the beginning of a military flag-lowering ceremony

(2)

: a military flag-lowering ceremony

2

: a place of privacy or safety : refuge

3

: a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director

retreat

2 of 2

verb

retreated; retreating; retreats

intransitive verb

1

: to make a retreat : withdraw

2

: to slope backward

transitive verb

: to draw or lead back : remove

specifically : to move (a piece) back in chess

retreater noun

Synonyms

Noun

• pullback
• pullout
• recession
• retirement
• withdrawal

Verb

• back away
• drop back
• fall back
• pull out
• recede
• retire
• withdraw

Choose the Right Synonym for retreat

recede, retreat, retract, back mean to move backward.

recede implies a gradual withdrawing from a forward or high fixed point in time or space.

the flood waters gradually receded

retreat implies withdrawal from a point or position reached.

retreating soldiers

retract implies drawing back from an extended position.

a cat retracting its claws

back is used with up, down, out, or off to refer to any retrograde motion.

backed off on the throttle

Examples of retreat in a Sentence

Noun

Some of her friends were surprised by her retreat from public life following her defeat in the election.

we made a strategic retreat when we realized that we were outnumbered

Verb

When the enemy attacked, our troops were forced to retreat.

They retreated behind trees for safety.

He quickly retreated from the room.

After her defeat, she retreated from politics.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, Canada, offers a diverse range of activities for tourists, including wine tasting, outdoor adventures, and spa retreats. —Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 3 Nov. 2024

There are cosy rooms and retreats throughout, from the comfy bar to the quiet reading room all with breathtaking views over the lake and the fells beyond. —Natasha Langan, theweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Verb

Seasoned diplomats worry that retreating from that posture would enable autocrats around the world, including Vladimir Putin and his aims of Russian expansionism. —Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024

The crowds had retreated to their cabins and RVs, the click of cameras replaced by the trill of crickets. —Lane Sainty, The Arizona Republic, 3 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English retret, from Anglo-French retrait, from past participle of retraire to withdraw, from Latin retrahere, from re- + trahere to draw

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing retreat

• beat a retreat
• duty to retreat
• made/beat a hasty retreat
• sound/signal the retreat

Kids Definition

retreat

1 of 2 noun

re·​treat ri-ˈtrēt 

1

a

: an act of going away especially from something difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable

b

: a military retreat from the enemy

c

: a signal for retreating

2

: a place of privacy or safety : refuge

3

: a period of withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director

went on a spiritual retreat

retreat

2 of 2 verb

1

: to make a retreat

2

: to slope backward

retreater noun

Legal Definition

retreat

noun

re·​treat

: the act or process of withdrawing from a dangerous situation

Note: Many jurisdictions require that a person must have at least attempted a retreat, if it was possible to do so with safety, in order for a defense of self-defense to prevail. Retreat from an attack in one's own home, however, is usually not required.

retreat verb