Retreat Definition & Meaning
retreat
- noun
- (military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat; "the disorderly retreat of French troops"
- a place of privacy; a place affording peace and quiet
- (military) a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position
- (military) a bugle call signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset
- an area where you can be alone
- withdrawal for prayer and study and meditation; "the religious retreat is a form of vacation activity"
- the act of withdrawing or going backward (especially to escape something hazardous or unpleasant)
- verb
- pull back or move away or backward; "The enemy withdrew"; "The limo pulled away from the curb"
- move away, as for privacy; "The Pope retreats to Castelgondolfo every summer"
- move back; "The glacier retrogrades"
- make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity; "We'll have to crawfish out from meeting with him"; "He backed out of his earlier promise"; "The aggressive investment company pulled in its horns"
"Retreat" in song lyrics
See how retreat is used in real songs:
-
"And screams treason at the first sign of retreat"
7L & Esoteric f/ Count Bass D, J-Live — Rules of Engagament -
"I'll have you eatin' food through a feedin' tube as you retreat"
7L & Esoteric f/ Apathy, Vinnie Paz — Speak Now -
"We got to march on fort, not cave in or retreat"
Esoteric f/ Kabir — Recognize
Words that rhyme with retreat
Usage tips for "retreat"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "retreat" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for retreat to find words that pair well.