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retreatism 

/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.)
retreatism by sahwar December 20, 2009
Words you can keep

retreatism 

A word describing the cowardly compulsion to flee.
The French army emphasizes retreatism in its battle tactics.
retreatism by Melvin Birkshire December 14, 2008

Retreating Glacier 

A post coital condition occurring to a woman, when ejaculated semen through breast copulation pools in the indentation at the base of the neck, followed by the woman transitioning from a laying down position to an upright position; causing the ejaculate to slowly flow down the upper breast, receding from the indentation.
I tell you what Al, I think global warming is for real... I gave your mom a retreating glacier last night
Retreating Glacier by Bang-C February 24, 2011

Retreating Hairline 

Similar to a receding hairline; this is one that recedes so quickly it seems to be more noticeable with every passing moment, and can be likened to a brigade running away in battle. Most common in men in their twenties or early thirties.
"What's with Joe's haircut? It seems to be styled the same but it looks way different for some reason."

"I wouldn't mention it to him. He's trying to hide his retreating hairline."
Retreating Hairline by USH333 May 22, 2009

Ball retreating 

When its so cold, your ball shrink into your body and your scrotum shrivells and hardens to preserve testicle warmth.
Samantha: "OMG ITS SO FUCKING COLD THERES NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THIS!!!"
Jamie: "Actually., if you educated yourself you would know the correct term is "ball retreating""
More from Urban Dictionary

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Example 2:
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Example 2: What, you ain't got no brought-upsy?

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There are no hot girls in the area, theres only satellite baddies.
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Word of the Day on September 10, 2026
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