ENGLISH
REFERENCE

retreat

n. C / U
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ɹiˈtɹit// UK //ɹɪtɹˈiːt// re·treat Archaic Humorous

n. a quiet, safe place where you go to rest or escape from a difficult situation. It can also mean the act of moving away from a fight or a dangerous area.

n. a period or place of seclusion for the purpose of rest, prayer, or study; alternatively, the act of withdrawing or moving back from a position of danger or conflict.


SIMPLE

The garden is my favorite retreat when the house is too noisy.

CONTEXTUAL

After a stressful month at the office, she booked a weekend yoga retreat in the mountains to clear her mind.

COMPLEX

The general's decision to order a tactical retreat saved the remaining infantry from certain encirclement, though it cost the army its strategic foothold in the valley.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English retret, from Old French retrait or retret, from Latin retractus, from retraho. Doublet of retract, retrait, and ritratto.

Etymology 2

From re- + treat.

Usage

Countable when referring to a specific location or event; uncountable when referring to the abstract act of withdrawing.

Idioms1 entry

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