retreat

[rɪˈtriːt]

retreat Definition

• 1. the act of moving back or withdrawing
• 2. a quiet or secluded place in which one can rest and relax
• 3. a 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

• advance
• progression

Idioms Using retreat

• sound the retreat

  to signal the order to withdraw from a position

  Example

  The captain sounded the retreat, and the soldiers began to fall back.

• retreat into oneself

  to become introspective and withdrawn

  Example

  After the breakup, he retreated into himself and refused to talk to anyone.

• retreat to the drawing board

  to go back to the planning stage after a failed attempt

  Example

  The project failed, so we had to retreat to the drawing board and come up with a new plan.

Phrases with retreat

• beat a retreat

  to leave a place quickly and quietly

  Example

  As soon as the police arrived, the thieves beat a hasty retreat.

• strategic retreat

  a withdrawal from a position for tactical reasons

  Example

  The general ordered a strategic retreat to regroup his troops.

• retreat from reality

  a mental state of withdrawal from the demands of the real world

  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'

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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the retreat' denote signaling the order to withdraw, while 'retreat into oneself' means becoming introspective and withdrawn.