B2verbconflict
US/rɪˈtriːt/
UK/rɪˈtriːt/
to move back or away from a place or person, often because of danger; to go somewhere quiet
In context
The soldiers were forced to retreat after three days of fighting.
After the busy week, I like to retreat to my grandmother's village.
The crowd retreated as the water rose quickly.
Words that go with retreat
verb + preposition
- retreat fromThe army retreated from the city at night.
- retreat toShe retreated to her room to cry.
- retreat intoWhen he is stressed, he retreats into video games.
adverb + verb
- forced to retreatThe firefighters were forced to retreat because of the heat.
- quickly retreatThe cat quickly retreated under the bed.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The army retreated back to the base.Correct: The army retreated to the base.