retreat

re·treat (ri trēt′)

noun

a going back or backward; withdrawal in the face of opposition or from a dangerous or unpleasant situation
withdrawal to a safe or private place
a safe, quiet, or secluded place
an organized group withdrawal from regular activities, as for religious contemplation, the development of closer relationships, etc.
a residential institution for the care of the aged, mentally ill, etc.
Mil.
1. the withdrawal of troops, ships, etc. from a position, esp. when forced by enemy attack
2. a signal for such a withdrawal
3. a signal given by bugle or drum at sunset for lowering the national flag
4. the ceremony at which this is done

Etymology: ME retret < OFr retraite < pp. of retraire, to draw back < L retrahere: see retract

intransitive verb

Etymology: ME retreten

transitive verb

beat a retreat

To retire
recede, withdraw, draw back, retrograde, back out, retract, leave, go, depart, recoil, shrink, quail, run, reel, start back, pull back, reverse, seclude oneself, keep aloof, keep apart, hide, separate from, regress, resign, relinquish, lay down, hand over, sequester oneself, retrocede, backtrack, back off, back down, chicken out*.
Antonyms stay*, continue*, advance. *
In battle, to execute a forced retirement
evacuate, abandon, leave, withdraw, back out, vacate the position, retire, remove, pull out, march out, disengage, turn back, fall back, draw back, move back, give ground, move behind, beat a retreat, back down, escape, decamp, fly, run away, turn tail, be routed, give way, flee, flee in disorder, execute a strategic withdrawal, shorten one's lines, avoid, evade, elude.
Antonyms attack*, progress*, drive forward.

Object

glacier: Beinn Eighe 38 1152 x 864 328K A retreating glacier has left this ' erratic ' here.
army: Here are two examples of armaments being deserted by a rapidly retreating army.
troop: In the Second World War, these flat beaches enabled small ships from England to evacuate retreating troops in 1940.

Converse of object

beat: We watched the owl briefly, then beat a hasty retreat, to minimize the disturbance caused to it.

Preposition: against

intrusion: Parts of a Castle The many different parts of Medieval Castles were essential for ensuring a safe retreat against intrusion or invasion.

Adjective modifier

hasty: We watched the owl briefly, then beat a hasty retreat, to minimize the disturbance caused to it.
idyllic: Sunset is the idyllic seaside retreat for touring, you are close to all amenities.
peaceful: A peaceful retreat for painters & writers yet only 2 minutes walk from the local shops of Newport.
managed: Name 3 PULL factors 4. What do we mean by the term ' managed retreat ' ?
cozy: The accommodation has provided the cozy romantic retreat we had hoped for.
tranquil: The residents garden provides a tranquil retreat for people with mental health issues.

Preposition: into

protectionism: Since the oil crises of 1973 and 1979, Europe had been retreating into protectionism.

Noun used with modifier

ayahuasca: Minimum/Maximum Stay: Minimum period for an ayahuasca retreat in Onanyan Shobo is one week.
glacier: In the short term, glacier retreat may have some benefits.
weekend: Do you want a practical weekend retreat or a long-term stay?
seaside: Sunset is the idyllic seaside retreat for touring, you are close to all amenities.
Buddhist: What a cracking hill, and it's a Buddhist retreat as well.
cliff: Cliff retreat rates will be measured for both sides of the Channel.

Preposition: of

lobe: The phased retreat of the ice lobe further westward is recorded by cross-valley, ice-contact ridges.

Preposition: from

hustle: The hotel provides a secluded retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city center with panoramic views across Devon and the coast.

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