A retreat was a military maneuver where armed forces withdraw from a position or area.
In 2371, after their "starship" was shot down, Kenneth Dalby described the circumstances in a simulation he and several other former Maquis were undertaking as a no-win situation, feeling there was nothing else they could have done rather than go out in a blaze of glory. Tuvok, their instructor, disagreed, suggesting retreating was a viable option. (VOY: "Learning Curve")