/rɪˈtritɪzəm/ ri-tree-tiz-uhm
(noun) Sociology.
the rejection of culturally prescribed goals and the conventional means for attaining them. It could lead to asocialization, depersonalization, social alienation, Anomie (normslessness), psychic dysfunctions, which could on the other hand result in criminal intentions and/or deeds (because of social deviance due to the aforementioned states) or rebellious attitudes (i.e. pursuit of activities advancing new means and new goals, usually via all means possible).

Aside from disrespect and rejection of the institutionalized means and cultural goals (values) of a society, retreatism could also stem from the institutionalization of individualization and most often from social inequalities.

Origin:
retreat + -ism

Related forms:
retreatist, noun

Terminology:
see Merton's Strain theory (Sociology) for details

Sources: Dictionary.com, Wikipedia.org
Individuals may also reject both goals and means and fall under retreatism, when they ignore the goals and the means of the society. (e.g. Drug addicts who have stopped caring about the social goals and choose a drug induced reality in favour of the socially accepted lifestyle.)
by sahwar December 20, 2009
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NOUN:

1. A movement away from danger or a confrontation, back along the original route.

2. A withdrawal from a position or point of view to one intended to lessen conflict.

3. A withdrawal of military forces following a defeat or preceding a change of position.

4. A signal, usually a bugle call or drumbeat, telling soldiers to perform a retreat.

5. A period of quiet rest and contemplation in a secluded place.

6. A quiet secluded place where people go for rest and privacy.

7. A place where people or animals go to avoid danger or capture.

8. A place for the long-term care and treatment of people who are incapable of caring for themselves.

9. Period of seclusion: A period away from normal activities, devoted to prayer and meditation, often spent in a religious community.

VERB:

1. To move back away from danger or a confrontation.

2. To withdraw from a position or point of view to one intended to lessen conflict.

3. To withdraw following a defeat or prior to a change of position.

4. To recede or fall back from a previous position
when the glaciers retreated.

5. To move a chesspiece back to an earlier position.

NOUN:

1. The bear had the hunters in full retreat.
2. Their retreat from a previously inflexible position.
3. The american army retreated.
4. The general ordered retreat.
5. An hour of retreat.
6. A safehouse or sanctuary.
7. Like I said: a sanctuary.
8. A retreat hospital.

VERB:

1. They retreated back into the house.
2. They fled to the river.
3. They retreated back from the enemy.
4. Run like hell.
5. Ctrl-Z

by Jafje April 10, 2007
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American: "You frogs sure retreated fast when the Germans came a knocking."
Frenchie: "Yeah, and if they tried it a third time we'd retreat again! Twice as hard!"
by QueenMidas February 7, 2010
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Let's retreat we're pussys anyway we will never win
by Exoudous May 27, 2017
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The way a person looks while walking away; often a judgement on his/her posterior.
That girl has the sweetest retreat I've seen in a long time.
by Claydogg August 22, 2008
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1. A spiritual getaway
2. To surrender, withdraw (i.e. military battle)
3. To treat yourself again
1. I'm going on a retreat to become closer to God
2. I'm French.
3. Retreat yourselves to some Twizzlers.
by thegnome87 March 2, 2007
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