retreats

Noun

retreat (plural retreats)

1. The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.
   • In a retreat he outruns any lackey.c. 1604–1605 (date written), William Shakespeare, “All’s Well, that Ends Well”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...
   1. The act of reversing direction and receding from a forward position.
   2. Withdrawal by a military force from a dangerous position or from enemy attack.
      • The general opted for a swift retreat because he saw his troops were vastly outnumbered.
2. A peaceful, quiet place affording privacy or security.
   • a mountain retreat
3. (euphemistic, obsolete, rare) A peaceful, quiet place in which to urinate and defecate: an outhouse; a lavatory.
4. A period of retirement, seclusion, or solitude, especially for meditation, prayer, or study.
   • We both need a week retreat after those two stressful years working in the city.

See all 16 meanings of retreat