Definition of: retreat

(ri·trēt′) v.i.
1. To go back or backward; withdraw; retire.
2. To curve or slope backward.
—v.t.
3. In chess, to move (a piece) back.
—noun
1. The act of retreating, as from contest or danger.
2. The retirement of a naval or land force from a position of danger or from an enemy; also, a signal for retreating, made by trumpet or drum.
3. In the army or navy, a signal, as by bugle, for the lowering of the flag at sunset.
4. Retirement; seclusion; solitude.
5. A place of retirement, quiet, or security; a refuge; shelter; haunt.
6. Religious retirement; also, the time spent in religious retirement.
7. An establishment for the mentally ill, for alcoholics, etc. See synonyms under REFUGE, SECLUSION, SHELTER. Compare RETIREMENT. [<F retraite, orig. fem. of pp. of retaire draw back <L retrahere <re- again + trahere draw]