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retreatto move back or withdraw, especially from something dangerous or unpleasant

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to move back or withdraw, especially from something dangerous or unpleasant

Pronunciation (IPA): /rɪˈtriːt/

Example Sentences

  • When mom found out about the broken vase, we decided to retreat to our rooms
  • The CEO announced a company retreat to a luxury resort
  • My cat always retreats under the bed when the vacuum cleaner comes out

retreat

VERB

[/rɪˈtriːt/]

to move back or withdraw, especially from something dangerous or unpleasant

The general orders a retreat as enemy forces overwhelm the front line.
💡 Concept

The general orders a retreat as enemy forces overwhelm the front line.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/rɪˈtriːt/
🇬🇧 UK/rɪˈtriːt/

🌳Etymology

Prefixre--
Roottreat

Origin

From Old French 'retraite', derived from Latin 'retrahere' meaning 'to draw back'. The word combines the prefix 're-' (back) with 'trahere' (to draw or pull).

Breakdown

re- (back) + treat (from Latin trahere, to draw/pull) = retreat (to withdraw or move back)

🎵Rhyme

completedefeatrepeatcompete
complete
defeat
repeat
compete

🔗Collocations

beat a retreat
strategic retreat
retreat from
spiritual retreat
company retreat
retreat into silence

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

When mom found out about the broken vase, we decided to retreat to our rooms

The CEO announced a company retreat to a luxury resort

😄 Fun example

My cat always retreats under the bed when the vacuum cleaner comes out

The government was forced to retreat from its original policy

📚Related Words

Synonyms

withdrawpull backretirefall backescape

Antonyms

advanceattackapproach

Related

refugesanctuaryhideoutwithdrawalescape

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