retreat

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
  2. noun a place of privacy; a place affording peace and quiet
  3. noun (military) a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position

Etymology

From Middle English retret, from Old French retrait or retret, from Latin retractus, from retraho. Doublet of retract, retrait, and ritratto.

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