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Retreat: meaning, definitions and examples

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retreat

 

[rɪˈtriːt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in military context

A retreat is a withdrawal of troops from an enemy force as a result of their superior power or after a defeat. It is a strategic move to regroup and reorganize forces.

Synonyms

evacuation, pullback, withdrawal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retreat

Duplicate of the first entry. Please refer to the initial 'retreat' entry above.
withdrawal

Can be used in both military and non-military contexts, often indicating a formal or systematic process of removing presence or participation. In psychological contexts, it can also describe a reduction in social interaction.

  • The general ordered a withdrawal of forces from the dangerous zone.
  • Her sudden withdrawal from social activities concerned her friends.
evacuation

Refers to the organized removal of people from a dangerous place to safety. Commonly used in emergency situations, such as natural disasters, fires, or other serious threats.

  • The evacuation of the city began as soon as the hurricane warning was issued.
  • The building's alarm triggered an immediate evacuation.
pullback

Often used in a military or business context, indicating a strategic reduction in presence or investment. Can imply a temporary or tactical withdrawal.

  • Due to financial constraints, the company announced a pullback on its overseas operations.
  • The troops executed a tactical pullback to strengthen their defenses.

Examples of usage

  • The general ordered a retreat after realizing they were outnumbered.
  • The troops performed a tactical retreat to avoid further casualties.
Context #2 | Noun

in non-military context

A retreat can also refer to a peaceful, secluded place where one can go to relax, meditate, or seek solitude.

Synonyms

haven, hideaway, sanctuary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retreat

This word fits well when talking about a place where someone can go to relax or escape from daily stress. It is often used in the context of vacations or personal relaxation.

  • She booked a weekend retreat in the mountains to relax and unwind
  • After a long week, he often retreats to his countryside home
hideaway

This word is suitable for a secret or secluded place where someone goes to be alone or evade others. It is often used for small, cozy spots.

  • They found a charming hideaway by the sea for their honeymoon
  • He keeps a hideaway in the attic where he writes his novels
sanctuary

This word is often used when referring to a place that offers protection and peace, commonly in a religious or formal context. It can also be used to refer to a place of refuge for animals.

  • The church served as a sanctuary for those seeking refuge
  • The animal sanctuary provides a safe home for injured wildlife
haven

This word is used for a place that provides safety and comfort. It's often used to describe places that offer emotional or physical protection.

  • The library was her haven from the chaotic world
  • The park serves as a haven for many local wildlife species

Examples of usage

  • She booked a weekend retreat in the mountains to unwind.
  • The yoga retreat offered classes and workshops for inner peace.
Context #3 | Verb

general context

To retreat means to move back or withdraw, especially from a dangerous or unpleasant situation.

Synonyms

pull back, recede, withdraw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
retreat

This word is used when a person, group, or army moves back from a position because of danger or defeat. It often has a military context.

  • The soldiers had to retreat to a safer location.
  • During the heavy rain, we decided to retreat to our car.
withdraw

Used in both physical and non-physical contexts to mean taking back or moving something away. It can describe removing oneself from a situation, an activity, or taking money out from a bank.

  • She decided to withdraw from the competition.
  • He withdrew a large sum of money from his bank account.
recede

This term is generally used for things that gradually move back or away, such as water, hairlines, or other tangible objects.

  • The flood waters began to recede after the storm.
  • As he aged, his hairline started to recede.
pull back

This phrase is commonly used when making a strategic decision to move back from a position, both in military and non-military settings. It can also mean to reduce or take away support.

  • The general ordered the troops to pull back before dawn.
  • Investors decided to pull back their funds from the volatile market.

Examples of usage

  • The hiker decided to retreat when the storm approached.
  • He retreated to his room to avoid the argument.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'retrahere', meaning 'to draw back'.
  • It was used in English since the late 14th century to describe withdrawing from position or activity.

Psychology

  • Taking time for a retreat can help reduce stress and improve mental health.
  • Studies show that people who engage in regular retreats experience increased creativity and problem-solving skills.

Pop Culture

  • Many celebrities attend wellness retreats to rejuvenate and center themselves amidst their busy lives.
  • There are popular reality TV shows that highlight retreats focused on personal transformation and growth.

Education

  • Schools often organize retreats for students to build teamwork and life skills outside the classroom.
  • Retreats can be used as educational tools, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning experiences in nature or specialized areas.

History

  • Throughout history, various religious groups have held retreats as a means of spiritual renewal and reflection.
  • The concept of retreating has been present since ancient times, with monks and philosophers seeking solitude for deeper understanding.

Translations

Translations of the word "retreat" in other languages:

🇵🇹 retiro

🇮🇳 पीछे हटना

🇩🇪 Rückzug

🇮🇩 mundur

🇺🇦 відступ

🇵🇱 odwrót

🇯🇵 後退 (こうたい)

🇫🇷 retraite

🇪🇸 retiro

🇹🇷 geri çekilme

🇰🇷 후퇴 (hutoe)

🇸🇦 تراجع

🇨🇿 ústup

🇸🇰 ústup

🇨🇳 撤退 (chètuì)

🇸🇮 umik

🇮🇸 hörfa

🇰🇿 шегіну

🇬🇪 უკან დახევა

🇦🇿 geri çəkilmək

🇲🇽 retiro

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,040 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.