Retreated

Retreated, in the context of this definition, describes the act of withdrawing, moving back, or pulling away from a position, situation, or challenge. This can involve physical movement, such as a military force retreating from a battlefield, or a figurative withdrawal, such as a person retreating from a difficult conversation. It often implies a loss of ground, a yielding of position, or a deliberate avoidance of confrontation or a particular circumstance. Retreating may be voluntary or forced, but it always signifies a change in position or engagement and a departure from the former circumstance.

Retreated meaning with examples

• After a fierce battle, the outnumbered army Retreated, seeking safety in the hills. They had fought valiantly, but the superior enemy force forced their retreat. Supplies were running low, and the soldiers were exhausted. The retreat was carefully planned and executed to minimize casualties. Now they needed to regroup, resupply, and plan their next move to defend the kingdom from invasion.
• Faced with overwhelming public criticism, the company Retreated from its controversial marketing campaign. The negative feedback was intense and widespread, causing significant damage to their brand image. They were forced to publicly apologize. The advertising team knew they could lose their jobs if they didn't retreat and pull all the adverts. In order to salvage any remaining public trust they had.
• The elderly man Retreated into his memories, reminiscing about his youth to escape the loneliness of his twilight years. The world outside his small flat was noisy and stressful. He closed the door to the world outside, the noise, and the crowds that had surrounded him, preferring the comfort and familiarity of the past. He found solace there, lost in a world of old photos.
• The climber, caught in a sudden blizzard, Retreated down the mountain, abandoning their summit attempt. The storm intensified rapidly, reducing visibility to zero, and the wind was now at speeds too great to endure safely. Safety was the priority now, and a retreat was the only possible option. The climber knew that the climb would always be there.
• The shy student Retreated from the group project, fearing judgment and criticism. They felt self-conscious and unsure of their abilities, causing the student to stay in their own comfort zone. The student chose to work alone, seeking solace in solitude. The student did not want to make a fool of themselves or disappoint others.
• In order to win, the chess player Retreated their knight, sacrificing a pawn in a strategic gambit. The player had observed the pattern and recognised the weakness, and the sacrifice was for the greater good. The goal was not just to capture all the pieces, but to checkmate their opponent. This was the chess player's move.