1To step aside; to move out of the way; to make room. Commonly used in daily speech (often written in kana as どく, especially in the imperative どいて).
ちょっと退いてくれる？後ろが見えないんだ。
Could you move aside a bit? I can't see behind you.
危ないから、そこから退いてください。
It's dangerous, so please step away from there.
車が通るから、みんな道の端に退いた。
A car was coming through, so everyone moved to the side of the road.
荷物を置くスペースを作るため、少し退いてもらえますか。
Could you move over a little to make space for the luggage?
2(reading: のく) To resign, retire, or step down from a position or role. A somewhat formal expression for withdrawing from a post or frontline role.
彼は高齢を理由に会長の座を退いた。
He stepped down from the chairmanship, citing his advanced age.
現役を退いた後も、彼は後進の指導を続けている。
Even after retiring from active duty, he continues to mentor younger colleagues.