retreat

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   withdrawal for prayer and study and meditation

   the religious retreat is a form of vacation activity

2. 2
   noun

   (military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

   the disorderly retreat of French troops

3. 3
   noun

   a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position

   With the battle going badly, the commander sounded the retreat.

4. 4
   verb

   move away, as for privacy

   The Pope retreats to Castelgondolfo every summer

5. 5
   noun

   The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.

   In a retreat he outruns any lackey.

6. 6
   noun

   A peaceful, quiet place affording privacy or security.

   a mountain retreat

7. 7
   noun

   A period of retirement, seclusion, or solitude, especially for meditation, prayer, or study.

   We both need a week retreat after those two stressful years working in the city.

8. 8
   noun

   A bugle call or drumbeat signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset, as on a military base.

   to-morrow the Royal Standard will be hoisted at Edinburgh Castle from reveille to retreat.

Etymology

From Middle English retret, from Old French retrait or retret, from Latin retractus, from retraho. Doublet of retract, retrait, and ritratto.