retreat-n; 4 Senses

Sense Number 1: the act of withdrawing, or receding

Commentary: RETREAT[+activity][+receding][+position][+military/+finance/+ideology/+natural]
NOTE: can be physical or abstract receding

Examples:
The air power finally forced the invading army into retreat.
He beat a hasty retreat to the door.
Scientists are tracking the retreat of several large glaciers in the Arctic.
The unions have made a surprising retreat from their previous position on wages.
Stocks across the Big Board have been in retreat for the past two weeks.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: a secluded locale, a hideaway

Commentary: RETREAT[+location][+locale][+secluded]
NOTE: refers to a physical place or building

Examples:
We all enjoyed Sally's mountain retreat in New Hampshire.
He lived his final years in a quiet retreat by the lake.
Make your own backyard a summer retreat away from the cares of the world.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2, 5

Sense Number 3: the signal for a withdrawal

Commentary: RETREAT[+event][+signal][+withdrawal]
NOTE: refers to the means of communicating that a retreat should happen.

Examples:
The bugle sounded a retreat.
The lieutenant announced the retreat to the village behind them.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3, 4

Sense Number 4: a period of seclusion or withdrawal

Commentary: RETREAT[+event][+social][+seclusion][+corporate/+spiritual/+personal]
NOTE: refers to an event, or period of time in seclusion, -not- the place (see Sense 2)

Examples:
Bob and Mary went on a corporate retreat somewhere near Santa Fe.
The author is away on his annual retreat to nurture his literary inspirations.
The students go on a church retreat every summer for two weeks in the Appalachians.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 6