Retreat

/rɪˈtriːt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An act of moving back or withdrawing.

The army was forced to make a retreat after the enemy launched a surprise attack.

A place of privacy or safety.

The cabin in the woods served as a peaceful retreat for the family.

A period of seclusion or withdrawal for reflection or meditation.

The yoga retreat offered participants a chance to connect with themselves away from daily distractions.

verb

To withdraw from a position or situation.

After realizing the futility of the battle, the troops were ordered to retreat.

To go to a quiet or secluded place.

She decided to retreat to her garden to find some peace and quiet.

To move back or withdraw from a difficult situation.

The team had to retreat from the project due to funding issues.

From Middle French 'retraite', from Latin 'retractus', past participle of 'retractere'.

retreat into silence

To stop speaking and become quiet.

retreat to safety

To move away from danger to a safe place.

spiritual retreat

A time spent away from the usual environment for reflection or meditation.

withdraw

To pull back or take away.

recession

A period of temporary economic decline.

refuge

Shelter or protection from danger.

A break from social life.

I'm going on a retreat this weekend to chill out.

To escape a situation.

He did a quick retreat when the party got too wild.