the weakest effort or poorest achievement one is capable of; "it was the worst he had ever done on a test"
the greatest damage or wickedness of which one is capable; "the invaders did their worst"; "so pure of heart that his worst is another man's best"
the least favorable outcome; "the worst that could happen"
(superlative of `bad') most wanting in quality or value or condition; "the worst player on the team"; "the worst weather of the year"
to the highest degree of inferiority or badness; "She suffered worst of all"; "schools were the worst hit by government spending cuts"; "the worst dressed person present"
defeat thoroughly; "He mopped up the floor with his opponents"
marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed; "a furtive manner"; "a sneak attack"; "stealthy footsteps"; "a surreptitious glance at his watch"
(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat; "the disorderly retreat of French troops"
(military) a bugle call signaling the lowering of the flag at sunset
(military) a signal to begin a withdrawal from a dangerous position
a place of privacy; a place affording peace and quiet
make a retreat from an earlier commitment or activity; "We'll have to crawfish out from meeting with him"; "He backed out of his earlier promise"; "The aggressive investment company pulled in its horns"
move away, as for privacy; "The Pope retreats to Castelgondolfo every summer"