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retreat

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈtɹiːt/

The English word “retreat” has 14 meanings listed here.

noun

  1. The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.
  2. The act of reversing direction and receding from a forward position.
  3. Withdrawal by a military force from a dangerous position or from enemy attack.
  4. A peaceful, quiet place affording privacy or security.
  5. A peaceful, quiet place in which to urinate and defecate: an outhouse; a lavatory.
  6. A period of retirement, seclusion, or solitude, especially for meditation, prayer, or study.
  7. A signal for a military withdrawal.
  8. A bugle call or drumbeat signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset, as on a military base.
  9. A military ceremony to lower the flag.
  10. The move of a piece from a threatened position.

verb

  1. To withdraw from a position, go back.
  2. To withdraw military forces.
  3. To shrink back due to generally warmer temperatures. (of a glacier)
  4. To slope back.

Etymology

From Middle English retret, from Old French retrait or retret, from Latin retractus, from retraho. Doublet of retract, retrait, and ritratto.

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