retreat
/rɪˈtriːt/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈtriːt/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈtrēt/ (ame, mw)
retreat — verb
- retreatpresent simple I / you / we / they
- retreats3rd person singular
- retreating-ing form
- retreatedpast simple
1. to move away from an area or group when facing an attack or threat to your safet
to move away from an area or group when facing an attack or threat to your safety
The general ordered his troops to retreat before the enemy surrounded them.
retreat + from [military engagement]
As the wildfire raced through the valley, the campers had to retreat quickly to the lake.
retreat + to [safe location]
Hearing shouting in the street, Valentina retreated into the nearest shop doorway.
The soldiers retreated from the hilltop when they ran out of ammunition.
文法句型
retreat + from [place/situation]
retreat + to [safer location]
retreat + into [place]
用法筆記
Frequently used with 'from' to specify the place left behind, and 'to' to indicate the destination. Common in military and emergency contexts.
常見錯誤
2. to leave a stressful or public situation behind and go somewhere quiet where you
to leave a stressful or public situation behind and go somewhere quiet where you feel safe and alone
After the heated argument, Noa retreated to the garden to clear his mind.
retreat + to [place] after conflict
When the reporters surrounded the celebrity, she retreated behind a security gate.
Lien retreats to her small studio every evening to paint without interruptions.
The frightened cat retreated under the bed during the loud thunderstorm.
Madison often retreats into her bedroom when the house gets too noisy.
文法句型
retreat + from [stressful situation]
retreat + to [quiet place]
retreat + into [private space]
用法筆記
Often followed by 'to' + the destination, or 'into' + an enclosed space. The situation left behind is typically social, public, or emotionally demanding.
常見錯誤
3. to give up a plan, position, or set of beliefs because holding onto them has bec
to give up a plan, position, or set of beliefs because holding onto them has become too difficult, costly, or unpopular
The politician retreated from his earlier promise after facing fierce public criticism.
retreat + from [commitment]
Under pressure from parents, the school retreated from its plan to shorten the school year.
Walid refused to retreat from his principles even when everyone disagreed with him.
The company retreated from its fair-trade policy after costs rose sharply.
- stand firm
refuse to change one's position despite pressure
- persist
continue with the original plan or belief
文法句型
retreat + from [position/belief/commitment]
用法筆記
Subject is usually a person, group, or institution that previously held a firm position. The 'from' phrase is nearly always required to clarify what was abandoned.
常見錯誤
4. of a price, level, or value — to fall back to a lower point after reaching a rec
of a price, level, or value — to fall back to a lower point after reaching a recent peak
The stock price retreated from its peak after the company announced weak quarterly results.
Subject is financial — [stock price] retreats from [peak]
Oil prices retreated sharply this week after climbing steadily for three months.
House prices in the area have retreated slightly since last summer's peak.
The dollar retreated against the euro following the central bank's announcement.
文法句型
[price/rate/value] + retreats
[price] retreats + from [high] + to [lower level]
用法筆記
Subject must be a measurable quantity (price, rate, value, index). A temporary or moderate fall is implied — more dramatic declines use 'plunge' or 'crash'. Common in financial news writing.
retreat — noun
- retreatsingular
- retreatsplural
1. a planned or forced movement of military forces away from the front line, often
a planned or forced movement of military forces away from the front line, often to escape defeat or regroup
The army's retreat across the river was carried out under cover of darkness.
possessive + retreat + across [geographic feature]
Napoleon's retreat from Moscow is remembered as one of the worst military disasters.
The general ordered a full retreat when he realised his troops were outnumbered.
The enemy forces were in full retreat by the time reinforcements arrived.
- withdrawal
more formal and orderly; retreat implies urgency or being forced
- pullback
used in both military and strategic contexts; often suggests a planned repositioning
文法句型
make a retreat
in retreat
beat a retreat
用法筆記
Fixed phrases include 'beat a retreat' (leave a situation quickly) and 'in full retreat' (withdrawing completely and urgently). The opposite in military terms is an 'advance' or 'offensive'.
常見錯誤
2. a quiet, private spot where someone can go to be alone and feel safe from the pr
a quiet, private spot where someone can go to be alone and feel safe from the pressures of daily life
The wooden cabin in the mountains serves as a peaceful retreat from the busy city.
[adjective] retreat from [stressful setting]
Grandma's cottage by the lake has been our family's favourite summer retreat for years.
The small library at the end of the hall was Hugo's private retreat during lunch breaks.
Their garden, hidden behind tall hedges, was a perfect retreat from the outside world.
文法句型
[adjective] retreat
a retreat from [something]
用法筆記
Often modified by an adjective describing the type of place (summer, mountain, beach, private, peaceful). Can also be used figuratively: 'reading is my retreat from stress'.
常見錯誤
3. a stretch of days away from ordinary routines, used for quiet thinking, prayer,
a stretch of days away from ordinary routines, used for quiet thinking, prayer, or focused personal study
The church organises a weekend retreat for young people every spring.
[religious organisation] retreat — typical modifier
Jiwoo spent a week at a silent meditation retreat in the countryside.
go on a [adjective] retreat
During the retreat, participants are asked to leave their phones and laptops behind.
Ritu found the yoga retreat in Thailand deeply refreshing for both body and mind.
The nuns go on a silent retreat every year to renew their spiritual focus.
- meditation retreat
specific type focused on mindfulness practice
- spiritual retreat
explicitly religious or faith-based
- sabbatical
longer and typically work-related rather than spiritual
文法句型
go on a retreat
attend a retreat
[adjective] retreat
用法筆記
Common collocations include 'go on a retreat', 'hold a retreat', and types like 'spiritual retreat', 'meditation retreat', 'yoga retreat'. Often organised by a religious or wellness group.
常見錯誤
4. a deliberate move away from a previously held opinion, policy, or course of acti
a deliberate move away from a previously held opinion, policy, or course of action, often due to criticism or changed conditions
The government's retreat from its environmental policy angered many young voters.
possessive retreat from [policy]
Tariro's retreat from the anti-mining campaign she had led for years left the village elders shaking their heads in disbelief.
possessive [name]'s retreat from [specific cause]
The company's retreat from its commitment to fair wages was seen as a betrayal by workers.
Critics saw the new law as a retreat from the progress made on civil rights.
- reversal
stronger and more complete; a full change of direction
- backtracking
less formal; suggests hesitation or embarrassment
- abandonment
more final; implies giving up entirely
- commitment
dedication to a principle or course of action
- adherence
remaining loyal to a belief or policy
文法句型
a retreat + from [belief/policy]
[possessive] retreat + from [commitment]
用法筆記
Typically used with 'from' to specify what belief, policy, or commitment has been abandoned. Often carries a negative judgement from the speaker — suggesting the change is a loss of integrity.
常見錯誤
5. a drop in the market price or value of something from a recently higher level
a drop in the market price or value of something from a recently higher level
Investors were alarmed by the sudden retreat in technology shares this month.
retreat in [market sector]
The retreat in gold prices has created new buying opportunities for investors.
Economists predict a further retreat in housing costs over the coming year.
Market analysts described the retreat as a healthy correction after months of growth.
文法句型
a retreat in [price/market]
[possessive] retreat
用法筆記
Common in financial journalism. Implies a temporary decline within an upward trend, rather than a long-term collapse. The opposite term is a 'rally' or 'surge'.