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From Middle English retret, from Old French retrait or retret (to draw back), from Latin retrahere (retract).


  • (file)


retreat (plural retreats)

  1. The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.
    • Shakespeare
      In a retreat he outruns any lackey.
  2. The act of reversing direction and receding from a forward position.
  3. A peaceful, quiet place affording privacy or security.
    • L'Estrange
      He built his son a house of pleasure, and spared no cost to make a delicious retreat.
    • Dryden
      That pleasing shade they sought, a soft retreat / From sudden April showers, a shelter from the heat.
  4. A period of retirement, seclusion, or solitude.
  5. A period of meditation, prayer or study.
  6. Withdrawal by military force from a dangerous position or from enemy attack.
  7. A signal for a military withdrawal.
  8. A bugle call or drumbeat signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset, as on a military base.
  9. A military ceremony to lower the flag.
  10. (chess) The move of a piece from a threatened position.


See also[edit]


retreat (third-person singular simple present retreats, present participle retreating, simple past and past participle retreated)

  1. To withdraw military forces.