retreat

²retreat

verb

Definition of RETREAT

intransitive verb

1

: to make a retreat : withdraw

2

: to slope backward

transitive verb

: to draw or lead back : remove; specifically : to move (a piece) back in chess

— re·treat·er noun

Examples of RETREAT

1. When the enemy attacked, our troops were forced to retreat.
2. They retreated behind trees for safety.
3. He quickly retreated from the room.
4. After her defeat, she retreated from politics.

First Known Use of RETREAT

15th century

Related to RETREAT

Synonyms: back away, drop back, fall back, pull out, recede, retire, withdraw, give ground, give way, lose ground

Antonyms: advance

Related Words: flee, fly; flinch, recoil, shrink; chicken (out); bow out; back down, backpedal, backtrack, climb down; detach, disengage, disentangle, pull away; abandon, depart, evacuate, go, leave, quit, vacate

Near Antonyms: beard, brave, brazen, breast, confront, dare, defy, face, outbrave

see all synonyms and antonyms

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See Synonym Discussion at recede