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Retreat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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retreat

[rษชหˆtriหt ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'retreat'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

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.