Cool MateRetreat
UK /["/rɪˈtriːt/"]/US /["/rɪˈtriːt/"]/
Definition
a movement away from a place or an enemy because of danger or defeat
In simple words: To go away from a place, often for safety or to relax.
Examples
- The soldiers had to execute a strategic retreat to avoid being surrounded.
- After the battle, the general ordered a retreat to regroup and plan their next attack.
- She went on a meditation retreat in the mountains to find peace and quiet.
- Our team organized a weekend retreat to strengthen team bonding and creativity.
- The retreat from the city to the countryside was refreshing after months of stressful work.
- Upon hearing the enemy's advance, the troops began their rapid retreat.
- They attended a yoga retreat to improve their physical and mental health.
Usage notes
Used in both military and personal contexts. In formal settings, 'retreat' can refer to professional development events, while in informal settings it might refer to a weekend trip away.
Grammar pattern
retreat + preposition (usually 'to')
Memory hint
Imagine people retreating from a noisy party to a quiet room for peace.
Collocations
- hasty
- headlong
- quick
- beat
- make
- lead
- in retreat
- on the retreat
- retreat from
- be in full retreat
- a line of retreat
- hasty
- headlong
- quick
- beat
- make
- lead
- in retreat
- on the retreat
- retreat from
- be in full retreat
- a line of retreat
- hasty
- headlong
- quick
- beat
- make
- lead
- in retreat
- on the retreat
- retreat from
- be in full retreat
- a line of retreat
- favourite/favorite
- idyllic
- perfect
- turn something into
- use something as
- retreat for
- retreat from
- Buddhist
- meditation
- religious
- attend
- do
- go on
Synonyms
- escape
Antonyms
- advance
- attack
- approach
Common mistakes
- Used as a transitive verb incorrectly (e.g., 'retreat the troops' instead of 'retreat to safety').
- Confused with 'retract', which means to take back something said.
- Using the word in contexts that imply aggression instead of leaving.