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Shrank vs Retreat - What's the difference?

shrank | retreat |

As verbs the difference between shrank and retreat

is that shrank is (shrink) while retreat is to withdraw military forces.

As nouns the difference between shrank and retreat

is that shrank is (us|pennsylvania dutch english) a large highly decorative dutch or german-style piece of furniture, which combines aspects of a clothing wardrobe, curio, and cabinet while retreat is the act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.

shrank

English

Etymology 1

See (l)

Verb

(head)
  • (shrink)
  • Etymology 2

    From (etyl); cognate to (etyl) Schrank.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (US, Pennsylvania Dutch English) A large highly decorative Dutch or German-style piece of furniture, which combines aspects of a clothing wardrobe, curio, and cabinet.
  • References

    * The Pennsylvania Dutch Country , By Irwin Richman, 2004, pages 102-103.[http://books.google.com/books?id=Edm413zzPtUC&pg=PA103&dq=%22Shrunk+German+furniture%22&ei=dfPISsTWNILckATtgv2rAw
  • v=onepage&q=shrank&f=false]
  • ----

    retreat

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • The act of pulling back or withdrawing, as from something dangerous, or unpleasant.
  • * Shakespeare
  • In a retreat he outruns any lackey.
  • The act of reversing direction and receding from a forward position.
  • A peaceful, quiet place affording privacy or security.
  • * L'Estrange
  • He built his son a house of pleasure, and spared no cost to make a delicious retreat .
  • * Dryden
  • That pleasing shade they sought, a soft retreat / From sudden April showers, a shelter from the heat.
  • A period of retirement, seclusion, or solitude.
  • A period of meditation, prayer or study.
  • Withdrawal by military force from a dangerous position or from enemy attack.
  • A signal for a military withdrawal.
  • A bugle call or drumbeat signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset, as on a military base.
  • A military ceremony to lower the flag.
  • (chess) The move of a piece from a threatened position.
  • See also

    * religious retreat

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To withdraw military forces.
  • Anagrams

    * *