What is the outcome of a military 'retreat'?

A military 'retreat' refers to a tactical withdrawal where forces deliberately pull back in order to preserve their strength rather than facing defeat or overwhelming odds. This maneuver can be strategically important, allowing an army to regroup, reorganize, or reposition for future engagements. Often, a retreat is executed to avoid unnecessary casualties or to gain a more advantageous position.

In contrast, the other choices involve actively engaging the enemy (which is the opposite of retreating), executing surprise attacks, or establishing dominance, all of which imply a confrontation rather than withdrawal. Thus, the focus of a military retreat is fundamentally about disengagement and preservation of resources, making the concept of a tactical withdrawal the correct answer.