C1noun 2K

Retreat

🇬🇧 UK /["/rɪˈtriːt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/rɪˈtriːt/"]/

Meaning of Retreat

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.

Retreat in a sentence

• 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.

How to use Retreat

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.

Related words

Collocations with 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
• 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 for Retreat

• escape

Opposites of Retreat

• advance
• attack
• approach

Common mistakes with Retreat

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Retreat

What does Retreat mean?

To go away from a place, often for safety or to relax.

What is the definition of Retreat?

a movement away from a place or an enemy because of danger or defeat

How do you use Retreat in a sentence?

The soldiers had to execute a strategic retreat to avoid being surrounded.

Can you give another example of Retreat?

After the battle, the general ordered a retreat to regroup and plan their next attack.

What are synonyms for Retreat?

Common alternatives include escape.

What is the opposite of Retreat?

Opposite meanings include advance, attack, approach.

What words go with Retreat?

It commonly pairs with 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.

What are common mistakes when using Retreat?

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.

How do you pronounce Retreat?

US: /["/rɪˈtriːt/"]/, UK: /["/rɪˈtriːt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Retreat?

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.

What CEFR level is Retreat?

"Retreat" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.