Definition of retreat
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a(1)
: an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable
(2)
: the process of receding from a position or state attained
the retreat of a glacier
b(1)
: the usually forced withdrawal of troops from an enemy or from an advanced position
(2)
: a signal for retreating
c(1)
: a signal given by bugle at the beginning of a military flag-lowering ceremony
(2)
: a military flag-lowering ceremony
2
: a place of privacy or safety : refuge
3
: a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director
retreat
verb
retreated; retreating; retreats
Definition of retreat (Entry 2 of 2)
: to draw or lead back : remove
specifically
: to move (a piece) back in chess
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for retreat
The first known use of retreat was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century