VocabDictionary

retreat

/rษชหˆtriหt/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To withdraw from enemy forces as a result of their superior power or after a defeat.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThe army was forced to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.โ€
  • โ€œWhen the fire alarm sounded, everyone retreated to the designated assembly area.โ€
2.noun

A quiet or secluded place in which one can rest and relax.

Example Sentences:
  • โ€œThey spent the weekend at a peaceful mountain retreat.โ€
  • โ€œThe garden provided a welcome retreat from the noise of the city.โ€
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for โ€œretreatโ€.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'retraite', which comes from the Latin 'retractus', the past participle of 'retrahere' (to draw back). It combines 're-' (back) and 'trahere' (to pull or draw). Historically, it evolved from a military term for withdrawing troops to a broader sense of seeking seclusion or a place of refuge.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

RE-TREAT: Imagine you are being attacked, so you RE-treat to a safe place to T-REAT yourself to some peace and quiet.

Frequently Asked Questions About โ€œretreatโ€

1. What is the meaning of โ€œretreatโ€ in English?

In English, retreat (verb) is defined as: โ€œTo withdraw from enemy forces as a result of their superior power or after a defeat.โ€.

2. How do you use โ€œretreatโ€ in a sentence?

โ€œThe army was forced to retreat after suffering heavy casualties.โ€

3. What are English synonyms of โ€œretreatโ€?

Common synonyms include:withdraw,recede,sanctuary,refuge

4. What is the etymology and word origin of โ€œretreatโ€?

Derived from the Old French 'retraite', which comes from the Latin 'retractus', the past participle of 'retrahere' (to draw back). It combines 're-' (back) and 'trahere' (to pull or draw). Historically, it evolved from a military term for withdrawing troops to a broader sense of seeking seclusion or a place of refuge.