retreat meaning and definition

RETREAT noun

Definition of retreat (noun)

1. (military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
   • "the disorderly retreat of French troops"
2. a place of privacy; a place affording peace and quiet
3. (military) a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position
4. (military) a bugle call signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset
5. an area where you can be alone
   • synonyms: hideaway
6. withdrawal for prayer and study and meditation
   • "the religious retreat is a form of vacation activity"
   • synonyms: retirement
7. the act of withdrawing or going backward (especially to escape something hazardous or unpleasant)
   • antonym: advance

RETREAT verb

Definition of retreat (verb)

1. pull back or move away or backward
   • "The enemy withdrew"; "The limo pulled away from the curb"
   • synonyms: draw back, move back, pull away, pull back, recede, retire, withdraw
   • antonym: advance
2. move away, as for privacy
   • "The Pope retreats to Castelgondolfo every summer"
3. move back
   • "The glacier retrogrades"
   • synonyms: retrograde
4. make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity
   • "We'll have to crawfish out from meeting with him"; "He backed out of his earlier promise"; "The aggressive investment company pulled in its horns"
   • synonyms: back away, back out, crawfish, crawfish out, pull back, pull in one's horns, withdraw