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retreat vs back off

back off vs retreat

retreat is a noun but back off is not a noun.

retreat and back off both are verbs.

Word NounAdjectiveVerbAdverb
retreat Yes No Yes No
back off No No Yes No
As verbs, back off is a hyponym of retreat; that is, back off is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than retreat:
  • retreat: pull back or move away or backward
  • back off: move backwards from a certain position
Other hyponyms of retreat include fall back, retreat, retrograde, back down, back up.
retreat (noun) back off (noun)
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
withdrawal for prayer and study and meditation
the act of withdrawing or going backward (especially to escape something hazardous or unpleasant)
an area where you can be alone
(military) a bugle call signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset
(military) a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position
a place of privacy; a place affording peace and quiet
retreat (verb) back off (verb)
make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity move backwards from a certain position
pull back or move away or backward remove oneself from an obligation
move back
move away, as for privacy
Difference between retreat and back off

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