Draws back (8)
'draws back' is the definition.
('retreat' can be a synonym of 'draw back')
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for retreats that I've seen before include "tactical withdrawals" , "Goes back, like defeated army" , "Of army, falls back before enemy attack" , "Places that afford peace and quiet" , "Refuges" .)
'draws back' is the definition.
('recede' can be a synonym of 'draw back')
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for recedes that I've seen before include "Withdraws" , "Subsides" .)