English Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition retreat in British English

retreat noun

noun
/rɪˈtriːt/
1

a peaceful and private place where you can go in order to rest

Example

Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it is an ideal rural retreat.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

the period of time that you spend resting in a peaceful and private place

Example

Built into her schedule will be weekend retreats.

Synonyms and related words
Example

the Prince's temporary retreat from the public gaze

Example

At the end of the dance Maggie thanked him and beat a hasty retreat back to her friends.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

an army's movement away from a position because of danger or defeat

Example

Napoleon's retreat from Moscow in 1813

Example

General Hawkes sounded the retreat.

Synonyms and related words
3

a change in a person's or organization's ideas, opinion, or decision after they have been criticized or opposed

Example

This represents a retreat from the Chancellor's usual policies.

Synonyms and related words
Definition retreat in British English