Retreat - Definition and Overview

The term retreat has several meanings, all of which have in common the notion of safety and removing oneself from regular society for a time. It can also refer to a building used for the purpose of conducting a retreat.

As used by church groups

A retreat is generally a time of solitude and prayer conducted in a remote location, such as a monastery or a center specifically used for this purpose. This is popular with many Christian churches, including evangelical Protestants, Roman Catholics and Anglicans.

Depending on the particular church's understanding and emphasis, attending a retreat may be done as a solitary event, or as a group gathering. There may be no talking done at all at the place of retreat, or there may be a great deal of conversation, depending on the understanding and accepted practices of the host facility and/or the participant(s) involved.

Other uses of the term

A retreat is also a private haven or get-away area, often in the country, to which one escapes periodically.

To retreat is to run away or back off from danger. It is normally used in a military sense. See withdrawal (military).