retrieve

[ ri-treev ]

/ rɪˈtriv /

See synonyms for: retrieve / retrieved / retrieving on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), re·trieved, re·triev·ing.

to recover or regain: to retrieve the stray ball.

to bring back to a former and better state; restore: to retrieve one's fortunes.

to make amends for: to retrieve an error.

to make good; repair: to retrieve a loss.

Hunting. (of hunting dogs) to fetch (killed or wounded game).

to draw back or reel in (a fishing line).

to rescue; save.

(in tennis, squash, handball, etc.) to make an in-bounds return of (a shot requiring running with the hand extended).

Computers. to locate and read (data) from storage, as for display on a monitor.

verb (used without object), re·trieved, re·triev·ing.

Hunting. to retrieve game.

to retrieve a fishing line.

noun

an act of retrieving; recovery.

the possibility of recovery.

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Origin of retrieve

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English retreven, from Middle French retroev-, retreuv-, tonic stem of retrouver “to find again,” equivalent to re-re- + trouver “to find”; see trover

synonym study for retrieve

1. See recover.

OTHER WORDS FROM retrieve

re·triev·a·ble, adjectivere·triev·a·bil·i·ty, nounnon·re·triev·a·ble, adjectiveun·re·triev·a·ble, adjective

un·re·trieved, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for retrieve

After the last magnet was retrieved, she assumed slave posture and waited for Couple to unclasp the clamps.
Dungeons and Genital Clamps: Inside a Legendary BDSM Chateau|Ian Frisch|December 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I may be missing some time and there are memories that will never be retrieved.
I Was Gang Raped at a UVA Frat 30 Years Ago, and No One Did Anything|Liz Seccuro|December 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She retrieved a cigarette from her purse and lit it without moving her face away from the screen.
I Watched a Casino Kill Itself: The Awful Last Nights of Atlantic City’s Taj Mahal|Olivia Nuzzi|December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As the family hunted for anything personal that could be retrieved, they were startled when the phone began to ring.
Life Under Air Strikes: Children Under Fire Will Never Forget — or Forgive|Clive Irving|August 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The police officer passed by, asked her what was wrong and retrieved the money.
Liberia’s Child Prostitutes|Clair MacDougall|May 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But within was that which has often, in desperate extremities, retrieved the fallen fortunes of nations.
The History of England from the Accession of James II.|Thomas Babington Macaulay
Twice, thrice the retrieved river flashes back, between the houses, the light of the firmament.
Rolling Stones|O. Henry
Stuart retrieved it and handed it to her, but she only commanded in a stunned voice, "Read it."
The Tyranny of Weakness|Charles Neville Buck
He was thinking, doubtless, that I might have retrieved his fortunes; and indeed I have very little doubt that I might.
Burlesques|William Makepeace Thackeray
Gramps twitched it free, retrieved his line, and turned to Bud.
The Black Fawn|James Arthur Kjelgaard

British Dictionary definitions for retrieve

retrieve

/ (rɪˈtriːv) /

verb (mainly tr)

to get or fetch back again; recoverhe retrieved his papers from various people's drawers

to bring back to a more satisfactory state; revive

to extricate from trouble or danger; rescue or save

to recover or make newly available (stored information) from a computer system

(also intr) (of a dog) to find and fetch (shot game)

tennis squash badminton to return successfully (a shot difficult to reach)

to recall; remember

noun

the act of retrieving

the chance of being retrieved

Derived forms of retrieve

retrievable, adjectiveretrievability, nounretrievably, adverb

Word Origin for retrieve

C15: from Old French retrover, from re- + trouver to find, perhaps from Vulgar Latin tropāre (unattested) to compose; see trover, troubadour

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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retrieve

verb (used with object), re·trieved, re·triev·ing.

verb (used without object), re·trieved, re·triev·ing.

noun

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Origin of retrieve

synonym study for retrieve

OTHER WORDS FROM retrieve

Example sentences from the Web for retrieve

British Dictionary definitions for retrieve

verb (mainly tr)

noun

Derived forms of retrieve

Word Origin for retrieve

MEANINGS

WORD GAMES

LEARN

WRITING

WORD OF THE DAY

retrieve

verb (used with object), re·trieved, re·triev·ing.

verb (used without object), re·trieved, re·triev·ing.

noun

QUIZZES

LEARN THE SPANISH WORDS FOR THESE COMMON ANIMALS!

Origin of retrieve

synonym study for retrieve

OTHER WORDS FROM retrieve

Words related to retrieve

Example sentences from the Web for retrieve

British Dictionary definitions for retrieve

verb (mainly tr)

noun

Derived forms of retrieve

Word Origin for retrieve