retreat

1 verb (I)

1 MOVE BACK

a) to walk back and away from someone or something because you are afraid or embarrassed: He saw her and retreated, too shy to speak to her.

(+ to/from etc): Perry lit the fuse and retreated to a safe distance.

b) if an area of water, snow or land retreats, it gradually gets smaller: The flood waters are slowly retreating.

2 OF AN ARMY to move away from the enemy after being defeated in battle: The rebels retreated, pursued by government troops.

3 CHANGE YOUR MIND to change your mind about a promise you have publicly made or about a principle you have stated, because the situation has become too difficult

(+ from): Current economic problems have forced the government to retreat from its pledge to cut taxes.

4 TO A QUIET PLACE to go away to a place that is quiet or safe

(+ from/into/to): After the noise of the city he was glad to retreat to his hotel room.

5 retreat into yourself/your thoughts etc to ignore what is happening around you and give all your attention to your private thoughts

2 noun

1 MOVEMENT BACK (singular, uncountable) a movement back and away from someone or something, because you are afraid, embarrassed etc: beat a retreat (=walk away quickly): Jim beat a hasty retreat when he saw his wife's mother at the door.

2 CHANGE OF INTENTION (singular, uncountable) an act of changing your mind about a promise you publicly made or a principle you stated, because the situation has become too difficult: a retreat from hard-line policies

3 OF AN ARMY (C, U) a movement away from the enemy after a defeat in battle: Napoleon's retreat from Moscow.

—opposite advance 1 (3) | be in full retreat (=be retreating fast and continuously) | sound the retreat (=give a loud signal for retreat)

4 PLACE (C) a place you can go to that is quiet or safe: von Mulne's retreat in the mountains

5 THOUGHT AND PRAYER (C, U) a period of time that you spend praying or studying religion in a quiet place: They go on retreat twice a year.