Retreat meaning : The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant. The act of reversing direction and receding from a forward position. A peaceful, quiet place affording privacy or security. A peaceful, quiet place in which to urinate and defecate: an outhouse; a lavatory. A period of retirement, seclusion, or solitude. A period of meditation, prayer or study. Withdrawal by military force from a dangerous position or from enemy attack. A signal for a military withdrawal. A bugle call or drumbeat signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset, as on a military base. A military ceremony to lower the flag. The move of a piece from a threatened position. To withdraw from a position, go back. (of a glacier) To shrink back due to generally warmer temperatures. To slope back.