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Retreat: meaning, definitions and examples

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retreat

 

[ rɪˈtriːt ]

Noun / Verb
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

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

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

Examples of usage

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

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 origin

The word 'retreat' originated from the Latin word 'retrahere', which means 'to pull back'. It was first used in the context of military maneuvers to describe the act of withdrawal. Over time, the term evolved to also encompass the concept of seeking a peaceful or secluded place for relaxation. The dual nature of the word reflects the contrasting ideas of retreat as both a tactical maneuver and a personal sanctuary.

See also: entreat, entreaty, maltreatment, mistreat, treat, treated, treaties, treatise, treatment, treats, treaty, untreatable, untreated.

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.