Something that physically protects, especially from danger

• shelter

  1. Something, especially a structure, that provides cover or protection, as from the weather:
  2. An establishment that provides temporary housing for homeless people.
  3. An establishment that cares for unwanted or stray animals and tries to find owners for them.

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  1. Something, especially a structure, that provides cover or protection, as from the weather:
  2. An establishment that provides temporary housing for homeless people.
  3. An establishment that cares for unwanted or stray animals and tries to find owners for them.

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• sanctuary

  1. A sacred place, such as a church, temple, or mosque.
  2. The holiest part of a sacred place, as the part of a Christian church around the altar.
  3. A sacred place, such as a church, in which fugitives formerly were immune to arrest.

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  1. A sacred place, such as a church, temple, or mosque.
  2. The holiest part of a sacred place, as the part of a Christian church around the altar.
  3. A sacred place, such as a church, in which fugitives formerly were immune to arrest.

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• refuge

  1. Protection or shelter, as from danger or hardship:
  2. A place providing protection or shelter:
  3. An undeveloped area for the preservation of animals and plants.

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  1. Protection or shelter, as from danger or hardship:
  2. A place providing protection or shelter:
  3. An undeveloped area for the preservation of animals and plants.

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• protection

  1. The act of protecting.
  2. The condition of being protected.
  3. One that protects:

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  1. The act of protecting.
  2. The condition of being protected.
  3. One that protects:

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• haven

  1. A harbor or anchorage; a port.
  2. A place of refuge or rest; a sanctuary.
  3. To put into or provide with a haven.

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  1. A harbor or anchorage; a port.
  2. A place of refuge or rest; a sanctuary.
  3. To put into or provide with a haven.

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• harbor

  1. A sheltered part of a body of water deep enough to provide anchorage for ships.
  2. A place of shelter; a refuge.
  3. To give shelter to:

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  1. A sheltered part of a body of water deep enough to provide anchorage for ships.
  2. A place of shelter; a refuge.
  3. To give shelter to:

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• covert

  1. Not openly practiced, avowed, engaged in, accumulated, or shown:
  2. Covered or covered over; sheltered.
  3. Being married and therefore protected by one's husband.

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  1. Not openly practiced, avowed, engaged in, accumulated, or shown:
  2. Covered or covered over; sheltered.
  3. Being married and therefore protected by one's husband.

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• cover

  1. To place something upon or over, so as to protect or conceal:
  2. To overlay or spread with something:
  3. To put a cover or covering on:

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  1. To place something upon or over, so as to protect or conceal:
  2. To overlay or spread with something:
  3. To put a cover or covering on:

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• asylum

  1. Protection and immunity from extradition granted by a government to a political refugee from another country.
  2. A place offering protection and safety; a shelter.
  3. Protection or shelter; refuge:

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  1. Protection and immunity from extradition granted by a government to a political refugee from another country.
  2. A place offering protection and safety; a shelter.
  3. Protection or shelter; refuge:

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The moving back of a military force in the face of enemy attack or after a defeat

• withdrawal

  1. A retreat or retirement:
  2. The removal of people from a place, as in the removal of troops from a military position.
  3. Detachment, as from social or emotional involvement.

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  1. A retreat or retirement:
  2. The removal of people from a place, as in the removal of troops from a military position.
  3. Detachment, as from social or emotional involvement.

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• retirement

  1. Withdrawal from one's occupation or position, especially upon reaching a certain age.
  2. The age at which one withdraws from work or activity:
  3. The act of retiring or the state of being retired:

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  1. Withdrawal from one's occupation or position, especially upon reaching a certain age.
  2. The age at which one withdraws from work or activity:
  3. The act of retiring or the state of being retired:

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• pullout

  1. A withdrawal, especially of troops.
  2. Change from a dive to level flight. Used of an aircraft.
  3. An object designed to be pulled out.

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  1. A withdrawal, especially of troops.
  2. Change from a dive to level flight. Used of an aircraft.
  3. An object designed to be pulled out.

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• pullback

  1. The act or process of pulling back, especially an orderly troop withdrawal.
  2. A device for holding or drawing back:

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  1. The act or process of pulling back, especially an orderly troop withdrawal.
  2. A device for holding or drawing back:

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• fallback

  1. Something to which one can resort or retreat:
  2. A retreat:
  3. Something that falls back:

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  1. Something to which one can resort or retreat:
  2. A retreat:
  3. Something that falls back:

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To move back or away from a point, limit, or mark

• retrogress

  1. To return to an earlier, inferior, or less complex condition.
  2. To go or move backward.

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  1. To return to an earlier, inferior, or less complex condition.
  2. To go or move backward.

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• retrograde

  1. Moving or tending backward:
  2. Opposite to the usual order; inverted or reversed:
  3. Reverting to an earlier or inferior condition:

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  1. Moving or tending backward:
  2. Opposite to the usual order; inverted or reversed:
  3. Reverting to an earlier or inferior condition:

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• retrocede

  1. To go back; recede.
  2. To cede or give back (a territory, for example); return.

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  1. To go back; recede.
  2. To cede or give back (a territory, for example); return.

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• retract

  1. To take back; disavow:
  2. To draw back or in:
  3. To utter (a sound) with the tongue drawn back.

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  1. To take back; disavow:
  2. To draw back or in:
  3. To utter (a sound) with the tongue drawn back.

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• recede

  1. To move back or away from a limit, point, or mark:
  2. To slope away from a point of reference:
  3. To become or seem to become more distant and fainter or less distinct:

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  1. To move back or away from a limit, point, or mark:
  2. To slope away from a point of reference:
  3. To become or seem to become more distant and fainter or less distinct:

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• ebb

  1. The receding or outgoing tide, occurring between the time when the tide is highest and the time when the following tide is lowest.
  2. A period of decline or diminution:
  3. To fall back from the flood stage.

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  1. The receding or outgoing tide, occurring between the time when the tide is highest and the time when the following tide is lowest.
  2. A period of decline or diminution:
  3. To fall back from the flood stage.

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To move in a reverse direction

• retrogress

  1. To return to an earlier, inferior, or less complex condition.
  2. To go or move backward.

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  1. To return to an earlier, inferior, or less complex condition.
  2. To go or move backward.

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• retrograde

  1. Moving or tending backward:
  2. Opposite to the usual order; inverted or reversed:
  3. Reverting to an earlier or inferior condition:

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  1. Moving or tending backward:
  2. Opposite to the usual order; inverted or reversed:
  3. Reverting to an earlier or inferior condition:

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• retrocede

  1. To go back; recede.
  2. To cede or give back (a territory, for example); return.

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  1. To go back; recede.
  2. To cede or give back (a territory, for example); return.

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• fall back

  1. To retreat.
  2. A variant form of fallback.

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  1. To retreat.
  2. A variant form of fallback.

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• backtrack

  1. To go back over the course by which one has come.
  2. To return to a previous point or subject, as in a lecture or discussion.
  3. To reverse one's position or policy.

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  1. To go back over the course by which one has come.
  2. To return to a previous point or subject, as in a lecture or discussion.
  3. To reverse one's position or policy.

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• backpedal

  1. To move the pedals of a bicycle or similar vehicle backward, especially to apply a brake.
  2. To move backward by taking short quick steps, as in boxing or football.
  3. To retreat or withdraw from a position or attitude:

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  1. To move the pedals of a bicycle or similar vehicle backward, especially to apply a brake.
  2. To move backward by taking short quick steps, as in boxing or football.
  3. To retreat or withdraw from a position or attitude:

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• back

  1. The part of the trunk of the human body along and to the sides of the spine between the neck and the pelvis; the dorsum.
  2. The analogous dorsal region in other animals.
  3. The backbone or spine.

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  1. The part of the trunk of the human body along and to the sides of the spine between the neck and the pelvis; the dorsum.
  2. The analogous dorsal region in other animals.
  3. The backbone or spine.

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To abandon a former position or commitment

• fink out

  1. (idiomatic) To avoid or shirk, either by failing to perform, or by performing in a grossly insufficient, negligent, or superficial manner.

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  1. (idiomatic) To avoid or shirk, either by failing to perform, or by performing in a grossly insufficient, negligent, or superficial manner.

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• cop out

  1. A failure to fulfill a commitment or responsibility or to face a difficulty squarely.
  2. A person who fails to fulfill a commitment or responsibility.
  3. An excuse for inaction or evasion.

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  1. A failure to fulfill a commitment or responsibility or to face a difficulty squarely.
  2. A person who fails to fulfill a commitment or responsibility.
  3. An excuse for inaction or evasion.

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• renege

  1. To fail to carry out a promise or commitment:
  2. To fail to follow suit in cards when able and required by the rules to do so.
  3. To renounce; disown.

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  1. To fail to carry out a promise or commitment:
  2. To fail to follow suit in cards when able and required by the rules to do so.
  3. To renounce; disown.

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• back down

  1. (idiomatic) To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously has or has planned to.

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  1. (idiomatic) To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously has or has planned to.

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To move back in the face of enemy attack or after a defeat

• withdraw

  1. To take back or away; remove:
  2. To cause to leave or return:
  3. To remove (money) from an account.

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  1. To take back or away; remove:
  2. To cause to leave or return:
  3. To remove (money) from an account.

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• retire

  1. To withdraw from one's occupation or position, especially upon reaching a certain age; stop working.
  2. To move away or withdraw, as for rest or seclusion:
  3. To fall back or retreat, as from battle.

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  1. To withdraw from one's occupation or position, especially upon reaching a certain age; stop working.
  2. To move away or withdraw, as for rest or seclusion:
  3. To fall back or retreat, as from battle.

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• pull out

  1. (idiomatic) To withdraw; especially of military forces; to retreat.
  2. (literally) To use coitus interruptus as a method of birth control.
  3. (idiomatic) To remove something from a container.

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  1. (idiomatic) To withdraw; especially of military forces; to retreat.
  2. (literally) To use coitus interruptus as a method of birth control.
  3. (idiomatic) To remove something from a container.

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• pull back

  1. Used other than as an idiom. To pull in a backwards direction
  2. To retreat
  3. To retract

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  1. Used other than as an idiom. To pull in a backwards direction
  2. To retreat
  3. To retract

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• fall back

  1. To retreat.
  2. A variant form of fallback.

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  1. To retreat.
  2. A variant form of fallback.

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• draw back

  1. to retreat from a position
  2. to move backwards
  3. to withdraw from an undertaking

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  1. to retreat from a position
  2. to move backwards
  3. to withdraw from an undertaking

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The act of retreating

• recoil

  1. To spring back, as upon firing.
  2. To shrink back, as in fear or repugnance.
  3. To fall back; return:

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  1. To spring back, as upon firing.
  2. To shrink back, as in fear or repugnance.
  3. To fall back; return:

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• avoidance

  1. The act of shunning or avoiding.
  2. An annulment.

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  1. The act of shunning or avoiding.
  2. An annulment.

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• evasion

  1. The act or an instance of evading.
  2. A means of evading; a subterfuge.

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  1. The act or an instance of evading.
  2. A means of evading; a subterfuge.

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• eluding

  1. Present participle of elude.

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  1. Present participle of elude.

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• running-away

  1. Present participle of run away.

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  1. Present participle of run away.

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• going

  1. Departure:
  2. The condition underfoot as it affects one's headway in walking or riding:
  3. Progress toward a goal; headway:

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  1. Departure:
  2. The condition underfoot as it affects one's headway in walking or riding:
  3. Progress toward a goal; headway:

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• retraction

  1. The act of retracting or the state of being retracted.
  2. The act of recanting or disavowing a previously held statement or belief.
  3. A formal statement of disavowal.

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  1. The act of retracting or the state of being retracted.
  2. The act of recanting or disavowing a previously held statement or belief.
  3. A formal statement of disavowal.

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• recession

  1. The erosion of a cliff or headland from a given point, as from the action of a waterfall.
  2. The reduction of a glacier from a point of advancement.
  3. The motion of celestial objects away from one another in an expanding universe.

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  1. The erosion of a cliff or headland from a given point, as from the action of a waterfall.
  2. The reduction of a glacier from a point of advancement.
  3. The motion of celestial objects away from one another in an expanding universe.

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• flight

  1. The motion of an object in or through a medium, especially through the earth's atmosphere or through space.
  2. An instance of such motion.
  3. The distance covered in such motion:

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  1. The motion of an object in or through a medium, especially through the earth's atmosphere or through space.
  2. An instance of such motion.
  3. The distance covered in such motion:

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• backing out

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• retrogression

  1. any retrogressing
  2. a return to a lower, less complex stage or state; degeneration

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  1. any retrogressing
  2. a return to a lower, less complex stage or state; degeneration

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• reversal

  1. The act or an instance of reversing.
  2. The state of being reversed.
  3. A usually adverse change in fortune:

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  1. The act or an instance of reversing.
  2. The state of being reversed.
  3. A usually adverse change in fortune:

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• drawing back

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  • Go to "drawing back" definitions
• withdrawal

  1. A retreat or retirement:
  2. The removal of people from a place, as in the removal of troops from a military position.
  3. Detachment, as from social or emotional involvement.

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  1. A retreat or retirement:
  2. The removal of people from a place, as in the removal of troops from a military position.
  3. Detachment, as from social or emotional involvement.

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• escape

  1. To break loose from confinement; get free:
  2. To issue from confinement or enclosure; leak or seep out:
  3. To avoid a serious or unwanted outcome:

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  1. To break loose from confinement; get free:
  2. To issue from confinement or enclosure; leak or seep out:
  3. To avoid a serious or unwanted outcome:

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• departure

  1. The act of leaving.
  2. A starting out, as on a trip or a new course of action.
  3. A divergence or deviation, as from an established rule, plan, or procedure:

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  1. The act of leaving.
  2. A starting out, as on a trip or a new course of action.
  3. A divergence or deviation, as from an established rule, plan, or procedure:

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• evacuation

  1. The act of evacuating or the condition of being evacuated.
  2. Discharge of waste materials from the excretory passages of the body, especially from the bowels.
  3. The material so discharged.

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  1. The act of evacuating or the condition of being evacuated.
  2. Discharge of waste materials from the excretory passages of the body, especially from the bowels.
  3. The material so discharged.

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• removal

  1. The act of removing.
  2. The fact of being removed.
  3. Relocation, as of a residence or business.

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  1. The act of removing.
  2. The fact of being removed.
  3. Relocation, as of a residence or business.

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• retirement

  1. Withdrawal from one's occupation or position, especially upon reaching a certain age.
  2. The age at which one withdraws from work or activity:
  3. The act of retiring or the state of being retired:

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  1. Withdrawal from one's occupation or position, especially upon reaching a certain age.
  2. The age at which one withdraws from work or activity:
  3. The act of retiring or the state of being retired:

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A place to which one retreats

• cloister

  1. A covered walk with an open colonnade on one side, running along the walls of buildings that face a quadrangle.
  2. A place, especially a monastery or convent, devoted to religious seclusion.
  3. Life in a monastery or convent.

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  1. A covered walk with an open colonnade on one side, running along the walls of buildings that face a quadrangle.
  2. A place, especially a monastery or convent, devoted to religious seclusion.
  3. Life in a monastery or convent.

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• convent

  1. A community, especially of nuns, bound by vows to a religious life under a superior.
  2. The building or buildings occupied by such a community.

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  1. A community, especially of nuns, bound by vows to a religious life under a superior.
  2. The building or buildings occupied by such a community.

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• cell

  1. A narrow confining room, as in a prison or convent.
  2. A small enclosed cavity or space, such as a compartment in a honeycomb or within a plant ovary or an area bordered by veins in an insect's wing.
  3. The smallest structural unit of an organism that is capable of independent functioning, consisting of cytoplasm, usually one nucleus, and various other organelles, all surrounded by a semipermeable cell membrane.

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  1. A narrow confining room, as in a prison or convent.
  2. A small enclosed cavity or space, such as a compartment in a honeycomb or within a plant ovary or an area bordered by veins in an insect's wing.
  3. The smallest structural unit of an organism that is capable of independent functioning, consisting of cytoplasm, usually one nucleus, and various other organelles, all surrounded by a semipermeable cell membrane.

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• hermitage

  1. The habitation of a hermit or group of hermits.
  2. A monastery or abbey.
  3. A place where one can live in seclusion; a retreat.

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  1. The habitation of a hermit or group of hermits.
  2. A monastery or abbey.
  3. A place where one can live in seclusion; a retreat.

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• habitat

  1. The natural environment in which a species or group of species lives:
  2. A particular kind of natural environment:
  3. An artificial environment created for an animal to live in:

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  1. The natural environment in which a species or group of species lives:
  2. A particular kind of natural environment:
  3. An artificial environment created for an animal to live in:

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• haunt

  1. To inhabit, visit, or appear to in the form of a ghost or other supernatural being.
  2. To visit often; frequent:
  3. To come to the mind of continually; obsess:

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  1. To inhabit, visit, or appear to in the form of a ghost or other supernatural being.
  2. To visit often; frequent:
  3. To come to the mind of continually; obsess:

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• resort

  1. To turn to or make use of a person, strategy, or course of action for help or as a means of achieving something:
  2. To go, especially customarily or frequently; repair:
  3. A place frequented by people for relaxation or recreation:

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  1. To turn to or make use of a person, strategy, or course of action for help or as a means of achieving something:
  2. To go, especially customarily or frequently; repair:
  3. A place frequented by people for relaxation or recreation:

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• hideaway

  1. A place of concealment; a hideout.
  2. A secluded or isolated place.
  3. Designed to be stored out of sight, as by folding into a cabinet:

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  1. A place of concealment; a hideout.
  2. A secluded or isolated place.
  3. Designed to be stored out of sight, as by folding into a cabinet:

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• hiding-place

  1. a place where something or someone may be safely hidden

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  1. a place where something or someone may be safely hidden

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• place of concealment

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  • Go to "place of concealment" definitions
• haven

  1. A harbor or anchorage; a port.
  2. A place of refuge or rest; a sanctuary.
  3. To put into or provide with a haven.

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  1. A harbor or anchorage; a port.
  2. A place of refuge or rest; a sanctuary.
  3. To put into or provide with a haven.

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• port

  1. A place on a waterway with facilities for loading and unloading ships.
  2. A city or town on a waterway with such facilities.
  3. The waterfront district of a city.

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  1. A place on a waterway with facilities for loading and unloading ships.
  2. A city or town on a waterway with such facilities.
  3. The waterfront district of a city.

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• harbor

  1. A sheltered part of a body of water deep enough to provide anchorage for ships.
  2. A place of shelter; a refuge.
  3. To give shelter to:

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  1. A sheltered part of a body of water deep enough to provide anchorage for ships.
  2. A place of shelter; a refuge.
  3. To give shelter to:

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• ark

  1. The chest containing the Ten Commandments written on stone tablets, carried by the Hebrews during their desert wanderings.
  2. The Holy Ark.
  3. The boat built by Noah for survival during the Flood.

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  1. The chest containing the Ten Commandments written on stone tablets, carried by the Hebrews during their desert wanderings.
  2. The Holy Ark.
  3. The boat built by Noah for survival during the Flood.

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• cover

  1. To place something upon or over, so as to protect or conceal:
  2. To overlay or spread with something:
  3. To put a cover or covering on:

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  1. To place something upon or over, so as to protect or conceal:
  2. To overlay or spread with something:
  3. To put a cover or covering on:

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• security

  1. Freedom from risk or danger; safety.
  2. Freedom from doubt, anxiety, or fear; confidence.
  3. A group or department of private guards:

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  1. Freedom from risk or danger; safety.
  2. Freedom from doubt, anxiety, or fear; confidence.
  3. A group or department of private guards:

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• sanctuary

  1. A sacred place, such as a church, temple, or mosque.
  2. The holiest part of a sacred place, as the part of a Christian church around the altar.
  3. A sacred place, such as a church, in which fugitives formerly were immune to arrest.

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  1. A sacred place, such as a church, temple, or mosque.
  2. The holiest part of a sacred place, as the part of a Christian church around the altar.
  3. A sacred place, such as a church, in which fugitives formerly were immune to arrest.

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• defense

  1. The act of defending against attack, danger, or injury.
  2. A means or method of defending or protecting.
  3. The act or an instance of defending a championship against a challenger:

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  1. The act of defending against attack, danger, or injury.
  2. A means or method of defending or protecting.
  3. The act or an instance of defending a championship against a challenger:

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• safe place

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• asylum

  1. Protection and immunity from extradition granted by a government to a political refugee from another country.
  2. A place offering protection and safety; a shelter.
  3. Protection or shelter; refuge:

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  1. Protection and immunity from extradition granted by a government to a political refugee from another country.
  2. A place offering protection and safety; a shelter.
  3. Protection or shelter; refuge:

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• refuge

  1. Protection or shelter, as from danger or hardship:
  2. A place providing protection or shelter:
  3. An undeveloped area for the preservation of animals and plants.

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  1. Protection or shelter, as from danger or hardship:
  2. A place providing protection or shelter:
  3. An undeveloped area for the preservation of animals and plants.

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• shelter

  1. Something, especially a structure, that provides cover or protection, as from the weather:
  2. An establishment that provides temporary housing for homeless people.
  3. An establishment that cares for unwanted or stray animals and tries to find owners for them.

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  1. Something, especially a structure, that provides cover or protection, as from the weather:
  2. An establishment that provides temporary housing for homeless people.
  3. An establishment that cares for unwanted or stray animals and tries to find owners for them.

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• privacy

  1. The quality or condition of being secluded from the presence or view of others:
  2. The state of being free from public attention or unsanctioned intrusion:

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  1. The quality or condition of being secluded from the presence or view of others:
  2. The state of being free from public attention or unsanctioned intrusion:

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• solitude

  1. The state or quality of being alone or remote from others:
  2. The state of being secluded or uninhabited:

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  1. The state or quality of being alone or remote from others:
  2. The state of being secluded or uninhabited:

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• seclusion

  1. The act of secluding:
  2. The state of being secluded:
  3. A secluded place or abode.

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  1. The act of secluding:
  2. The state of being secluded:
  3. A secluded place or abode.

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To retire

• chicken-out

  1. (idiomatic) To shy away from a daring task; to decline, refuse, or avoid something due to fear or uncertainty.

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  1. (idiomatic) To shy away from a daring task; to decline, refuse, or avoid something due to fear or uncertainty.

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• back down

  1. (idiomatic) To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously has or has planned to.

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  1. (idiomatic) To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously has or has planned to.

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• back-off

  1. (literally) To move backwards away from something.
  2. (idiomatic) To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
  3. (idiomatic) To lower the setting of.

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  1. (literally) To move backwards away from something.
  2. (idiomatic) To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.
  3. (idiomatic) To lower the setting of.

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• backtrack

  1. To go back over the course by which one has come.
  2. To return to a previous point or subject, as in a lecture or discussion.
  3. To reverse one's position or policy.

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  1. To go back over the course by which one has come.
  2. To return to a previous point or subject, as in a lecture or discussion.
  3. To reverse one's position or policy.

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• retrocede

  1. To go back; recede.
  2. To cede or give back (a territory, for example); return.

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  1. To go back; recede.
  2. To cede or give back (a territory, for example); return.

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• sequester oneself

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• hand over

  1. (idiomatic) To relinquish control or possession of something to someone.
  2. Alternative spelling of handover.

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  1. (idiomatic) To relinquish control or possession of something to someone.
  2. Alternative spelling of handover.

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• lay down

  1. To give up, surrender, or yield (e.g. a weapon), usually by placing it on the ground.
  2. To intentionally take a fall while riding a motorcycle, in order to prevent a more serious collision.
  3. To specify, institute, enact, assert firmly, state authoritatively, establish or formulate (rules or policies).

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  1. To give up, surrender, or yield (e.g. a weapon), usually by placing it on the ground.
  2. To intentionally take a fall while riding a motorcycle, in order to prevent a more serious collision.
  3. To specify, institute, enact, assert firmly, state authoritatively, establish or formulate (rules or policies).

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• relinquish

  1. To give up or abandon (control of something or a claim, for example).
  2. To put aside or desist from (something practiced, professed, or intended); stop doing or adhering to.
  3. To let go; surrender:

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  1. To give up or abandon (control of something or a claim, for example).
  2. To put aside or desist from (something practiced, professed, or intended); stop doing or adhering to.
  3. To let go; surrender:

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• resign

  1. To submit (oneself) passively; accept as inevitable:
  2. To give up (a position, for example), especially by formal notification.
  3. To relinquish (a privilege, right, or claim).

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  1. To submit (oneself) passively; accept as inevitable:
  2. To give up (a position, for example), especially by formal notification.
  3. To relinquish (a privilege, right, or claim).

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• regress

  1. To return to a previous, usually worse or less developed state:
  2. To have a tendency to approach or go back to a statistical mean.
  3. To move backward or away from a reference point; recede:

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  1. To return to a previous, usually worse or less developed state:
  2. To have a tendency to approach or go back to a statistical mean.
  3. To move backward or away from a reference point; recede:

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• separate from

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• hide

  1. To put or keep out of sight or away from notice:
  2. To prevent the disclosure or recognition of; conceal:
  3. To cut off from sight; cover up:

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  1. To put or keep out of sight or away from notice:
  2. To prevent the disclosure or recognition of; conceal:
  3. To cut off from sight; cover up:

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• keep apart

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• keep aloof

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• seclude oneself

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• reverse

  1. Turned backward in position, direction, or order:
  2. Moving, acting, or organized in a manner contrary to the usual:
  3. Causing backward movement:

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  1. Turned backward in position, direction, or order:
  2. Moving, acting, or organized in a manner contrary to the usual:
  3. Causing backward movement:

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• pull back

  1. Used other than as an idiom. To pull in a backwards direction
  2. To retreat
  3. To retract

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  1. Used other than as an idiom. To pull in a backwards direction
  2. To retreat
  3. To retract

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• start back

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• reel

  1. A device, such as a cylinder, spool, or frame, that turns on an axis and is used for winding and storing rope, tape, film, or other flexible materials.
  2. A cylindrical device attached to a fishing rod to let out or wind up the line.
  3. The quantity of wire, film, or other material wound on one reel.

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  1. A device, such as a cylinder, spool, or frame, that turns on an axis and is used for winding and storing rope, tape, film, or other flexible materials.
  2. A cylindrical device attached to a fishing rod to let out or wind up the line.
  3. The quantity of wire, film, or other material wound on one reel.

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• run

  1. To move swiftly on foot so that both or all feet are not on the ground during each stride.
  2. To retreat rapidly; flee:
  3. To depart; leave:

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  1. To move swiftly on foot so that both or all feet are not on the ground during each stride.
  2. To retreat rapidly; flee:
  3. To depart; leave:

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• quail

  1. Any of various primarily ground-dwelling birds of the genus Coturnix, especially C. coturnix, small in size and having mottled brown plumage and a short tail.
  2. Any of various similar or related birds of the Americas, such as the bobwhite or the California quail.

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  1. Any of various primarily ground-dwelling birds of the genus Coturnix, especially C. coturnix, small in size and having mottled brown plumage and a short tail.
  2. Any of various similar or related birds of the Americas, such as the bobwhite or the California quail.

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• shrink

  1. To become or appear to become smaller:
  2. To become smaller from exposure to heat, moisture, or cold:
  3. To become reduced in amount or value; dwindle:

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  1. To become or appear to become smaller:
  2. To become smaller from exposure to heat, moisture, or cold:
  3. To become reduced in amount or value; dwindle:

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• recoil

  1. To spring back, as upon firing.
  2. To shrink back, as in fear or repugnance.
  3. To fall back; return:

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  1. To spring back, as upon firing.
  2. To shrink back, as in fear or repugnance.
  3. To fall back; return:

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• depart

  1. To go away; leave:
  2. To die.
  3. To vary, as from a regular course; deviate:

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  1. To go away; leave:
  2. To die.
  3. To vary, as from a regular course; deviate:

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• go

  1. To move or travel; proceed:
  2. To move away from a place; depart:
  3. To pursue a certain course:

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  1. To move or travel; proceed:
  2. To move away from a place; depart:
  3. To pursue a certain course:

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• leave

  1. To go out of or away from:
  2. To go without taking or removing:
  3. To omit or exclude:

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  1. To go out of or away from:
  2. To go without taking or removing:
  3. To omit or exclude:

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• retract

  1. To take back; disavow:
  2. To draw back or in:
  3. To utter (a sound) with the tongue drawn back.

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  1. To take back; disavow:
  2. To draw back or in:
  3. To utter (a sound) with the tongue drawn back.

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• back-out

  1. To reverse a vehicle from a confined space.
  2. (idiomatic) To withdraw from something one has agreed to do.
  3. (idiomatic) To dare someone to not withdraw from a challenge.

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  1. To reverse a vehicle from a confined space.
  2. (idiomatic) To withdraw from something one has agreed to do.
  3. (idiomatic) To dare someone to not withdraw from a challenge.

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• retrograde

  1. Moving or tending backward:
  2. Opposite to the usual order; inverted or reversed:
  3. Reverting to an earlier or inferior condition:

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  1. Moving or tending backward:
  2. Opposite to the usual order; inverted or reversed:
  3. Reverting to an earlier or inferior condition:

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• draw back

  1. to retreat from a position
  2. to move backwards
  3. to withdraw from an undertaking

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  1. to retreat from a position
  2. to move backwards
  3. to withdraw from an undertaking

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• withdraw

  1. To take back or away; remove:
  2. To cause to leave or return:
  3. To remove (money) from an account.

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  1. To take back or away; remove:
  2. To cause to leave or return:
  3. To remove (money) from an account.

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• recede

  1. To move back or away from a limit, point, or mark:
  2. To slope away from a point of reference:
  3. To become or seem to become more distant and fainter or less distinct:

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  1. To move back or away from a limit, point, or mark:
  2. To slope away from a point of reference:
  3. To become or seem to become more distant and fainter or less distinct:

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In battle, to execute a forced retirement

• elude

  1. To evade or escape from, as by daring, cleverness, or skill:
  2. To escape the memory or understanding of:
  3. To be unnattained by:

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  1. To evade or escape from, as by daring, cleverness, or skill:
  2. To escape the memory or understanding of:
  3. To be unnattained by:

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• evade

  1. To escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or deceit:
  2. To avoid complying with or fulfilling:
  3. To fail to make payment of (taxes).

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  1. To escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or deceit:
  2. To avoid complying with or fulfilling:
  3. To fail to make payment of (taxes).

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• avoid

  1. To stay clear of; go around or away from:
  2. To take measures so as not to meet or see (someone):
  3. To prevent from happening:

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  1. To stay clear of; go around or away from:
  2. To take measures so as not to meet or see (someone):
  3. To prevent from happening:

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• shorten one's lines

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• execute a strategic withdrawal

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• flee in disorder

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• flee

  1. To run away, as from trouble or danger:
  2. To pass swiftly away; vanish:
  3. To run away from:

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  1. To run away, as from trouble or danger:
  2. To pass swiftly away; vanish:
  3. To run away from:

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• give-way

  1. To yield to persistent persuasion.
  2. To collapse or break under physical stresses.
  3. To be followed, succeeded, or replaced by.

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  1. To yield to persistent persuasion.
  2. To collapse or break under physical stresses.
  3. To be followed, succeeded, or replaced by.

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• be routed

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• turn-tail

  1. (idiomatic) To turn away from someone or something, in preparation for running away; to reverse direction; to leave or flee.

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  1. (idiomatic) To turn away from someone or something, in preparation for running away; to reverse direction; to leave or flee.

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• run away

  1. To flee by running
  2. To leave home, or other place of residence, usually unannounced, or to make good on a threat, with such action usually performed by a child or juvenile.
  3. Alternative spelling of runaway.

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  1. To flee by running
  2. To leave home, or other place of residence, usually unannounced, or to make good on a threat, with such action usually performed by a child or juvenile.
  3. Alternative spelling of runaway.

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• fly

  1. To move through the air by means of wings or winglike parts.
  2. To travel by air:
  3. To operate an aircraft or spacecraft.

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  1. To move through the air by means of wings or winglike parts.
  2. To travel by air:
  3. To operate an aircraft or spacecraft.

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• decamp

  1. To depart secretly or suddenly.
  2. To depart from a camp or camping ground.

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  1. To depart secretly or suddenly.
  2. To depart from a camp or camping ground.

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• escape

  1. To break loose from confinement; get free:
  2. To issue from confinement or enclosure; leak or seep out:
  3. To avoid a serious or unwanted outcome:

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  1. To break loose from confinement; get free:
  2. To issue from confinement or enclosure; leak or seep out:
  3. To avoid a serious or unwanted outcome:

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• back down

  1. (idiomatic) To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously has or has planned to.

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  1. (idiomatic) To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously has or has planned to.

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• beat-a-retreat

  1. (idiomatic) To leave hastily in the face of opposition.

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  1. (idiomatic) To leave hastily in the face of opposition.

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• move behind

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• give ground

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• move back

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  • Go to "move back" definitions
• draw back

  1. to retreat from a position
  2. to move backwards
  3. to withdraw from an undertaking

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  1. to retreat from a position
  2. to move backwards
  3. to withdraw from an undertaking

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• fall back

  1. To retreat.
  2. A variant form of fallback.

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  1. To retreat.
  2. A variant form of fallback.

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• turn-back

  1. (intransitive) To reverse direction and retrace one's steps.
  2. To return to a previous state of being.
  3. To prevent or refuse to allow passage or progress.

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  1. (intransitive) To reverse direction and retrace one's steps.
  2. To return to a previous state of being.
  3. To prevent or refuse to allow passage or progress.

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• disengage

  1. To release from something that holds fast, connects, or entangles.
  2. To release (oneself) from an engagement, pledge, or obligation.
  3. To free or detach oneself; withdraw.

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  1. To release from something that holds fast, connects, or entangles.
  2. To release (oneself) from an engagement, pledge, or obligation.
  3. To free or detach oneself; withdraw.

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• march out

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• pull out

  1. (idiomatic) To withdraw; especially of military forces; to retreat.
  2. (literally) To use coitus interruptus as a method of birth control.
  3. (idiomatic) To remove something from a container.

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  1. (idiomatic) To withdraw; especially of military forces; to retreat.
  2. (literally) To use coitus interruptus as a method of birth control.
  3. (idiomatic) To remove something from a container.

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• remove

  1. To move from a place or position occupied:
  2. To transfer or convey from one place to another:
  3. To take off:

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  1. To move from a place or position occupied:
  2. To transfer or convey from one place to another:
  3. To take off:

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• retire

  1. To withdraw from one's occupation or position, especially upon reaching a certain age; stop working.
  2. To move away or withdraw, as for rest or seclusion:
  3. To fall back or retreat, as from battle.

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  1. To withdraw from one's occupation or position, especially upon reaching a certain age; stop working.
  2. To move away or withdraw, as for rest or seclusion:
  3. To fall back or retreat, as from battle.

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• vacate the position

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• back-out

  1. To reverse a vehicle from a confined space.
  2. (idiomatic) To withdraw from something one has agreed to do.
  3. (idiomatic) To dare someone to not withdraw from a challenge.

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  1. To reverse a vehicle from a confined space.
  2. (idiomatic) To withdraw from something one has agreed to do.
  3. (idiomatic) To dare someone to not withdraw from a challenge.

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• withdraw

  1. To take back or away; remove:
  2. To cause to leave or return:
  3. To remove (money) from an account.

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  1. To take back or away; remove:
  2. To cause to leave or return:
  3. To remove (money) from an account.

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• leave

  1. To go out of or away from:
  2. To go without taking or removing:
  3. To omit or exclude:

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  1. To go out of or away from:
  2. To go without taking or removing:
  3. To omit or exclude:

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• abandon

  1. To withdraw one's support or help from, especially in spite of duty, allegiance, or responsibility; desert:
  2. To give up by leaving or ceasing to operate or inhabit, especially as a result of danger or other impending threat:
  3. To surrender one's claim to, right to, or interest in; give up entirely:

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  1. To withdraw one's support or help from, especially in spite of duty, allegiance, or responsibility; desert:
  2. To give up by leaving or ceasing to operate or inhabit, especially as a result of danger or other impending threat:
  3. To surrender one's claim to, right t