retreat

noun

the act of withdrawing or going backward (especially to escape something hazardous or unpleasant)

withdrawal for prayer and study and meditation

an area where you can be alone

(military) a bugle call signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset

(military) a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position

a place of privacy

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

verb

make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity

move back

move away, as for privacy

pull back or move away or backward

Roots

traho-treat · Latin · draw, pull

Synonyms for retreat

hideawayn withdrawv retirementn retirev recedev decampmentn withdrawaln getawayn withdrawmentn disengagementn seclusionn retrogradeadj hideoutn pulloutn resortn refugen sanctumn

Synonyms & related words for retreat

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of retreat — including hideaway, withdraw, retirement, retire, recede, decampment. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to retreat

Explore words related to retreat — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include retreatant, disadvance, climbdown, hibernacle, secludedly, backdown, secluded, withdrew. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for retreat

Common synonyms for retreat include hideaway, withdraw, retirement, retire, recede, decampment, withdrawal, getaway — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does retreat come from?

The word retreat breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root -treat, from Latin traho (“draw, pull”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.