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Dictionary definition for: Retreat

1. (n) (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"

2. (v) pull back or move away or backward; "The enemy withdrew" "The limo pulled away from the curb"

3. (n) a place of privacy; a place affording peace and quiet

4. (v) move away, as for privacy; "The Pope retreats to Castelgondolfo every summer"

5. (n) (military) a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position

6. (v) move back; "The glacier retrogrades"

7. (n) (military) a bugle call signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset

8. (v) make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity; "We''ll have to crawfish out from meeting with him" "He backed out of his earlier promise" "The aggressive investment company pulled in its horns"

9. (n) an area where you can be alone

10. (n) withdrawal for prayer and study and meditation; "a religious retreat"

WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved.