retreat Definition
- 1the act of moving back or withdrawing
- 2a quiet or secluded place in which one can rest and relax
- 3a period of time for meditation, prayer, or study
Using retreat: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "retreat" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The army was forced to make a retreat.
Example
She went on a yoga retreat to recharge her batteries.
Example
The monastery offers a weekend retreat for spiritual reflection.
Example
He retreated to his cabin in the woods to escape the noise of the city.
retreat Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for retreat
- withdrawal
- recession
- seclusion
- sanctuary
- backing off
Antonyms for retreat
Idioms Using retreat
Example
The captain sounded the retreat, and the soldiers began to fall back.
Example
After the breakup, he retreated into himself and refused to talk to anyone.
Example
The project failed, so we had to retreat to the drawing board and come up with a new plan.
Phrases with retreat
Example
As soon as the police arrived, the thieves beat a hasty retreat.
Example
The general ordered a strategic retreat to regroup his troops.
Example
After the death of her husband, she retreated from reality and spent most of her days lost in thought.
Origins of retreat
from Old French 'retret', meaning 'a place of withdrawal'
Summary: retreat in Brief
The term 'retreat' [rɪˈtriːt] refers to the act of moving back or withdrawing, as well as a quiet or secluded place for rest and relaxation. It can also refer to a period of time for meditation, prayer, or study. Examples include 'The army was forced to make a retreat,' and 'She went on a yoga retreat to recharge her batteries.' Idioms like 'sound the retreat' denote signaling the order to withdraw, while 'retreat into oneself' means becoming introspective and withdrawn.