A meeting for the purpose of bonding a group, and doing intensive thinking and planning, away from the distractions of regular daily responsibilities and duties. Retreats are ordinarily held by organizations, that is, by a group (or key members of a group) which already exists, and which wants to clarify its thinking, increase its members understanding of each other, and to tackle tasks which need concentrated attention over a continuous period of time difficult or impossible to find on the job. Retreats are usually off-site, extend over at least one night, often include spouses, and mix social events such as receptions and communal meals with working sessions (in which spouses sometimes participate). Dress, functions, and work settings are kept informal, and strong efforts are made to minimize the inhibitions inherent in the usual hierarchical work situation. The work sessions at the retreat are typically placed in the hands of a professional facilitator from outside the organization; this makes it much easier to break down the barriers of rank. The goal is that subordinates and superiors alike are able to contribute on the basis of their personal competency and ideas rather than deferring to those with higher rank or education.
A withdrawal (e.g., in psychology) from difficult life situations. This may be direct, as in physical flight, or indirect, as in malingering, illness, abnormal preoccupation, and self-deception.