retreat
re·treat (rĭ-trētʹ)n. 1. a. The act or process of withdrawing, especially from something hazardous, formidable, or unpleasant. b. The process of going backward or receding from a position or condition gained. 2. A place affording peace, quiet, privacy, or security. See Synonyms at shelter. 3. a. A period of seclusion, retirement, or solitude. b. A period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, or study: a religious retreat. 4. a. Withdrawal of a military force from a dangerous position or from an enemy attack. b. The signal for such withdrawal. c. A bugle call or drumbeat signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset, as on a military base. d. The military ceremony of lowering the flag.v. re·treat·ed, re·treat·ing, re·treatsv. intr. 1. To fall or draw back; withdraw or retire. See Synonyms at recede1. 2. To slope backward.v. tr. Games To move (a chess piece) back. [Middle English retret, from Old French retrait, retret, from past participle of retraire, retrere, to draw back, from Latin retrahere. See retract.] re·treatʹer n.
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