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retreat
/rɪˈtriːt/
withdrawal or strategic pullback
The army decided to retreat after heavy losses.
The army withdrew from the battlefield to avoid further casualties.
military
A strategic withdrawal of troops or forces from a position or area.
The general ordered a tactical retreat to regroup.
The general commanded the troops to withdraw to reorganize and plan their next move.
In military contexts, a retreat is a planned and organized withdrawal to avoid defeat or to reposition forces.
general
An act of withdrawing from a difficult or dangerous situation.
After the heated argument, she chose to retreat to her room.
She decided to leave the tense situation and go to her room to calm down.
This usage is common in everyday language to describe stepping back from a conflict or stressful situation.
general
A place of seclusion or privacy, often for relaxation or reflection.
The mountain cabin was his favorite retreat from the city's noise.
He enjoyed going to the mountain cabin to escape the city's hustle and bustle.
This sense of 'retreat' refers to a physical or mental escape from daily stress.
Collocations
retreat fromto withdraw from a situation or positionstrategic retreata planned withdrawal to gain advantageretreat toto go to a place for privacy or relaxation
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Military vs. General Use
In military contexts, 'retreat' is a planned and organized withdrawal, while in general use, it can describe stepping back from a situation or finding a place of relaxation.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Always consider the context when using 'retreat'. In military contexts, it has a specific strategic meaning, while in everyday language, it can be more flexible.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'retreten', from Old French 'retraire', from Latin 'retrahere' (to draw back).
Usage Notes
The word 'retreat' can have both literal and figurative meanings. In military contexts, it refers to a planned withdrawal, while in everyday language, it can describe stepping back from a situation or finding a place of relaxation.
Word Breakdown
re-
back
prefix-treat
to draw or pull
rootEnglish Dictionary