WordLens

retrieve

1 of 1verb
/ˈrɪt.ri:v/
Forms:retrieves,retrieving,retrieved,retrieved
1

to remember or recollect information previously learned or experienced

transitive
  • Despite not studying for the exam, she was able to retrieve the necessary information from her memory.
  • He struggled to retrieve the name of the author of the book he had read last year.
  • After a moment of concentration, she was able to retrieve the lyrics of the song.
  • In therapy, patients often work to retrieve suppressed memories of their past.
  • The elderly man struggled to retrieve the names of his childhood friends.
Antonyms:
2

to go and get back something that was lost or left behind

transitive
  • She had to retrieve her keys from the office after accidentally leaving them on her desk.
  • The dog was trained to retrieve the ball and bring it back to its owner during play.
  • He realized he forgot his phone at home and had to turn back to retrieve it before leaving for the trip.
3

to find and collect data stored on a computer

C1transitive
  • The IT specialist was able to retrieve the lost files from the backup server.
  • Users can retrieve their emails from any device with internet access using webmail services.
  • It took hours to retrieve the corrupted data from the damaged hard drive.
  • The software has a feature to retrieve previous versions of documents in case of accidental changes.
  • The forensic team was able to retrieve deleted files from the suspect's computer.
4

(of a dog) to locate and return game to its owner

transitive
  • The Labrador retriever was trained to retrieve ducks from the water during hunting trips.
  • The hunting party relied on their well-trained retrievers to retrieve pheasants that had been shot.
  • The retriever eagerly bounded into the field to retrieve the fallen goose.
  • The dog diligently searched the field to retrieve the downed woodcock.