Definitions for the word "retreat" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
The act of retiring or withdrawing one's self, especially from what is dangerous or disagreeable.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
The place to which anyone retires; a place or privacy or safety; a refuge; an asylum.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
The retiring of an army or body of men from the face of an enemy, or from any ground occupied to a greater distance from the enemy, or from an advanced position.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
The withdrawing of a ship or fleet from an enemy for the purpose of avoiding an engagement or escaping after defeat.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
A signal given in the army or navy, by the beat of a drum or the sounding of trumpet or bugle, at sunset (when the roll is called), or for retiring from action.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
A special season of solitude and silence to engage in religious exercises.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
A period of several days of withdrawal from society to a religious house for exclusive occupation in the duties of devotion; as, to appoint or observe a retreat.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
To make a retreat; to retire from any position or place; to withdraw; as, the defeated army retreated from the field.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v.
1 (esp. Of military forces) go back, retire; relinquish a position. 2 recede. n. 1 a act of retreating. B mil. Signal for this. 2 withdrawal into privacy or security. 3 place of shelter or seclusion. 4 period of seclusion for prayer and meditation. 5 mil. Bugle-call at sunset. [latin: related to *retract]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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Additional Info
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