Verb (5-dan, く, intransitive)
1. to step back; to move back; to retreat
それを一歩後ろに退いて回避する。I dodge it by stepping back one step.
2. to withdraw (from the presence of a superior); to leave; to exit
家臣は一礼して王の前から退いた。The retainer bowed and withdrew from the king's presence.
3. to resign; to retire; to quit
彼は社長の座を退いた。He stepped down as company president.
4. to concede
彼は僕が無理だといえば素直に退いた。Whenever I said it was impossible, he backed down without a fuss.