retreat

/ɹitɹˈit/ · 2 syllables

Meaning

noun

(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”
a place of privacy; a place affording peace and quiet
(military) a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position
(military) a bugle call signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset
an area where you can be alone
withdrawal for prayer and study and meditation
“the religious retreat is a form of vacation activity”
the act of withdrawing or going backward (especially to escape something hazardous or unpleasant)

verb

pull back or move away or backward
“The enemy withdrew”
move away, as for privacy
“The Pope retreats to Castelgondolfo every summer”
move back
“The glacier retrogrades”
make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity
“We'll have to crawfish out from meeting with him”

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