1. the act of moving back or withdrawing from a dangerous or difficult situation
2. a quiet, secluded place where one goes to rest, pray, or think
3. a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, or study
Usage: religious

1. to move back or withdraw from a dangerous or difficult situation
2. to go to a quiet or private place

Examples

• The army ordered a retreat when they were outnumbered.
• She built a small retreat in the mountains for weekend getaways.
• The church organized a spiritual retreat for the youth group.
• The soldiers had to retreat across the river.
• After the argument, he retreated to his room.
• The tide began to retreat, leaving shells on the beach.
• They retreated into the forest to avoid the storm.