Retrieve
Pronunciation
- Rhymes: -iËv
Origin
Recorded in Middle English c.1410 as retreve (altered to retrive in the 16th century; modern form is from c.1650), from Middle French retruev-, stem of Old French (=modern) retrouver "to find again", itself from re- "again" + trouver "to find" (probably from Vulgar Latin *tropare ("to compose"))
Full definition of retrieve
Verb
- (transitive) To regain or get back something.to retrieve one's character or independence; to retrieve a thrown ball
- DrydenWith late repentance now they would retrieve
The bodies they forsook, and wish to live. - (transitive) To rescue (a) creature(s)
- (transitive) To salvage something
- (transitive) To remedy or rectify something.
- (transitive) To remember or recall something.
- (transitive) To fetch or carry back something.
- Berkeleyto retrieve them from their cold, trivial conceits
- (transitive) To fetch and bring in game.The cook doesn't care what's shot, only what's actually retrieved.
- (intransitive) To fetch and bring in game systematically.Dog breeds called 'retrievers' were selected for retrieving.
- (intransitive) To fetch or carry back systematically, notably as a game.Most dogs love retrieving, regardless of what object is thrown.
- (sports, transitive) To make a difficult but successful return of the ball.
- (obsolete) To remedy the evil consequence of, to repair (a loss or damage).
- PriorAccept my sorrow, and retrieve my fall.
- BurkeThere is much to be done ... and much to be retrieved.