Meaning
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As a verb, retreat means to move back or withdraw, especially from danger, difficulty, or an unfavorable situation.
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As a noun, retreat can mean:
- The act of withdrawing.
- A quiet, safe place for rest and relaxation.
- A period of reflection or meditation, often organized for groups.
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: verb (intransitive) / noun
- Verb structure: retreat from + noun / retreat into + noun
- Noun structure: go on a retreat / a spiritual retreat / army retreat
Examples of verb usage:
- "The army retreated from the battlefield."
- "He retreated into silence."
Examples of noun usage:
- "They went on a yoga retreat."
- "The soldiers made a retreat."
Common Phrases
- Retreat from battle
- Retreat into silence
- Go on a retreat
- A spiritual retreat
- A weekend retreat
Collocations
- Verb + Retreat: forced to retreat, begin to retreat, manage to retreat
- Noun + Retreat: army retreat, sudden retreat, safe retreat
- Adjective + Retreat: peaceful retreat, quiet retreat, spiritual retreat
Examples
- The army had no choice but to retreat.
- She retreated into her room after the argument.
- The company decided to retreat from the overseas market.
- We booked a weekend retreat in the mountains.
- Meditation retreats are becoming increasingly popular.
- His sudden retreat from politics surprised everyone.
- The soldiers made a strategic retreat.
- The cabin by the lake was their retreat from city life.
Synonyms or Related
- Withdraw
- Recede
- Pull back
- Recoil
- Shelter
- Sanctuary
- Haven