retreat

noun

1. 1

   The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.

   In a retreat he outruns any lackey.

2. 2

   The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant. The act of reversing direction and receding from a forward position.

3. 3

   The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant. Withdrawal by a military force from a dangerous position or from enemy attack.

   The general opted for a swift retreat because he saw his troops were vastly outnumbered.

4. 4

   A peaceful, quiet place affording privacy or security.

   a mountain retreat

   "[…] But come, Lady, we are too near the mouth of the cavern; let us seek its inmost recesses. […]" "Though all your actions are noble, […] is it fitting that I should accompany you alone into these perplexed retreats? Should we be found together, what would a censorious world think of my conduct?"

   […] he built his son a house of pleasure, on purpose to keep him out of harm's way; and spared neither art nor cost to make it a delicious retreat.

   That pleasing shade they sought, a soft retreat / From sudden April showers, a shelter from the heat.

5. 5

   obsoleteA peaceful, quiet place in which to urinate and defecate: an outhouse; a lavatory.

6. 6

   A period of retirement, seclusion, or solitude, especially for meditation, prayer, or study.

   We both need a week retreat after those two stressful years working in the city.

   a Buddhist retreat

   a company retreat

   Obviously she is trying to blend in at the über–bachelor party that is the GoJo corporate retreat in Norway.

7. 7

   A signal for a military withdrawal.

8. 8

   A bugle call or drumbeat signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset, as on a military base.

   to-morrow the Royal Standard will be hoisted at Edinburgh Castle from reveille to retreat.

9. 9

   A military ceremony to lower the flag.

10. 10

    The move of a piece from a threatened position.

verb

1. 1

   To withdraw from a position, go back.

2. 2

   To withdraw from a position, go back. To withdraw military forces.

   The general refused to order his soldiers to retreat, despite being vastly outnumbered.

3. 3

   To shrink back due to generally warmer temperatures. (of a glacier)

4. 4

   To slope back.

   a retreating forehead

   His face was a fair weakness, his chin retreated, and his hair lay in crisp, almost flaxen curls on his low forehead; his eyes were rather large, pale blue, and blankly staring.

verb

1. 1

   Variant of re-treatAlternative form of re-treat.

Forms

plural

retreats

past tense

retreated

past participle

retreated

present participle

retreating

third person singular

retreats