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to put something out of the way; to move (something, someone) aside
to remove; to exclude; to take away
to set aside; to keep apart
to remove (someone) from the group; to shun
to do well despite difficulties; to accomplish despite adversity
to do resolutely; to do boldly
「退ける」 has other readings with different meanings.
通路をふさいでいた邪魔な物を退けて道を開けた。
I moved the obstacle aside and cleared the way.
通路を塞いでいた荷物を退けた。
I moved the luggage that was blocking the passage out of the way.
工事のために古い機材を退けている。
They are moving the old equipment out of the way for the construction.