transitive formalto get something back, especially something that is not easy to find
She stooped to retrieve the key from the ground.
rescueefforts to retrieve the bodies of the victims
Synonyms and related words
To get something back
get back
recover
win back
2
transitive computingto find information that is stored in a computer in order to use it again
Synonyms and related words
To use or program a computer
access
archive
back up
3
transitive to save or protect something that is going to be lost, damaged, or destroyed
The familyretrieved only a few personalitems from the burninghome.
Synonyms and related words
To protect or defend someone or something
protect
defend
save
3a
to improve a situation or relationship that has been damaged
UN officials are tryingdesperately to retrieve the situation.
Synonyms and related words
To make something better
improve
enhance
remedy
4
intransitive/transitive if a dog retrieves something, it finds it and brings it back to you, for example a ball that you have thrown or a bird that you have shot
Synonyms and related words
Dog behaviour and describing dogs
bark
bay
beg
derived word
retrievable
adjective
Synonyms and related words
To protect or defend someone or something
protect
defend
save
Synonyms and related words
To make something better
improve
enhance
remedy
retrieve
verb
US /rɪˈtriv/
Word Forms
present tense
I/you/we/they
retrieve
he/she/it
retrieves
present participle
retrieving
past tense
retrieved
past participle
retrieved
DEFINITIONS4
1
transitive formalto get something back, especially something that is not easy to find
She stooped to retrieve the key from the ground.
rescueefforts to retrieve the bodies of the victims
Synonyms and related words
To get something back
win back
get back
recover
2
transitive to save or protect something that is going to be lost, damaged, or destroyed
The familyretrieved only a few personalitems from the burninghome.
Synonyms and related words
To protect or defend someone or something
protect
defend
save
2a
to improve a situation or relationship that has been damaged
UN officials are tryingdesperately to retrieve the situation.
Synonyms and related words
To make something better
improve
enhance
correct
3
transitive computingto find information that is stored in a computer in order to use it again
Synonyms and related words
To use or program a computer
access
archive
author
4
intransitive/transitive if a dog retrieves something, it finds it and brings it back to you, for example a ball that you have thrown or a bird that you have shot