# retreat

Pronunciation: say "ri-TREET" /ɹɪˈtɹiːt/

## Noun

1. The pulling back of an army or other military force from a perilous position or in the face of an enemy attack.
   - Simple: The act of an army pulling back from danger or enemy attack.
   - _The army's retreat from the mountain pass left the valley exposed._
   - _Commanders called for a full retreat once supplies ran out._
2. A period spent in seclusion or solitude away from everyday life, often devoted to prayer, meditation, or study.
   - Simple: A quiet time away from normal life, used for prayer, thinking, or rest.
   - _He spent a month-long retreat at the monastery in silent meditation._
   - _The writers booked a countryside retreat to focus on their work._
4. A peaceful, quiet place that offers privacy or security.
   - Simple: A calm, quiet place where you can feel safe and private.
   - _The garden became his retreat whenever work grew overwhelming._
   - _They built a small lakeside retreat far from the crowds._
5. A reversal of direction in which something moves back from an advanced position.
   - Simple: The act of turning around and moving back from a forward spot.
   - _The flood's gradual retreat revealed the damage left behind._
   - _Her retreat from the edge of the cliff came just in time._
6. Withdrawal from a place, situation, or commitment, especially one that is dangerous or unpleasant.
   - Simple: The act of pulling back or moving away from something dangerous or unpleasant.
   - _The company's retreat from the risky market reassured nervous investors._
   - _Her retreat into silence signaled she was done with the topic._
8. A signal ordering a military force to withdraw.
   - Simple: A signal that tells soldiers to pull back from a fight.
   - _The commander ordered the retreat to be sounded across the lines._
   - _Over the roar of the guns, few of the infantry could hear the retreat._
9. A military ceremony held to lower the flag, typically at the end of the day.
   - Simple: A military event where soldiers lower the flag at the end of the day.
   - _The retreat was held at sunset, with the band playing as the flag came down._
   - _Visitors stood at attention during the base's retreat._
10. A bugle call or drumbeat sounded at sunset to mark the lowering of the flag, as on a military base.
   - Simple: A bugle call or drumbeat played as the flag is lowered at sunset on a base.
   - _At sunset, the retreat sounded and everyone paused to face the flag._
   - _The bugler practiced the retreat until each note was clear._
11. A move that pulls a piece back from a threatened position.
   - Simple: A move that takes a game piece away from danger to a safer spot.
   - _The bishop's retreat to a safer square cost him a tempo._
   - _A well-timed retreat kept her rook out of danger._

## Verb

3. To withdraw from a position and move back.
   - Simple: To move back from a place, away from danger or trouble.
   - _The hikers retreated to lower ground when the storm rolled in._
   - _Faced with sharp criticism, the senator chose to retreat rather than argue._
7. Of military forces, to withdraw and fall back from an engagement.
   - Simple: When soldiers pull back and move away from a battle or enemy.
   - _The regiment retreated in good order toward the river._
   - _Outnumbered, the defenders had to retreat before nightfall._
12. Of a glacier, to shrink back as a result of generally warmer temperatures.
   - Simple: Of a glacier, to slowly shrink back as the weather gets warmer.
   - _The glacier retreated nearly a mile over the past century._
   - _Alpine glaciers continue to retreat as average temperatures climb._
13. Of a surface or structure, to slope backward rather than rise vertically.
   - Simple: Of a surface, to slope backward instead of rising straight up.
   - _The upper stories retreat to let light reach the street below._
   - _The cliff retreats steeply just below its jagged crown._
15. Alternative form of re-treat. — Alternative form of re-treat. (pronounced: say "ree-TREET" US /ˌɹiˈtɹit/, UK /ˌɹiːˈtɹiːt/)
   - Simple: Alternative form of re-treat. It means to treat again. Write re-treat to avoid confusion with retreat.
   - _Foresters retreat the fence posts every few years to stop rot._
   - _The lab decided to retreat the samples under stronger conditions._

## Noun

14. A secluded, quiet place used for relieving oneself, such as an outhouse or lavatory. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: A quiet, private little building used as an outdoor toilet.

## Origin

**Meanings 1–14** — This word came from Middle English "retret," borrowed from Old French "retrait" or "retret," which came from Latin "retractus" (from "retraho"). It is a doublet of "retract," "retrait," and "ritratto."
**Meaning 15** — This form was made from the prefix "re-" plus "treat."

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/retreat (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).