Refrain

/ɹɪˈfɹeɪn/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive, archaic) To hold back, to restrain (someone or something)..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive, archaic) To hold back, to restrain (someone or something).
2. (reflexive, archaic) To show restraint; to hold oneself back.
3. (transitive, now rare) To repress (a desire, emotion etc.); to check or curb.
4. (intransitive, with preposition "from") To stop oneself from some action or interference; to abstain; to eschew
5. (transitive, rare, regional) To abstain from (food or drink).
6. The chorus or burden of a song repeated at the end of each verse or stanza.
7. (by extension) A much repeated comment, complaint, or saying.

Example Sentences

Refrain thy foot from their path.

The presence even for a moment among a party of debauchees of a woman endued with every quality of modesty and not less severe than beautiful refrained the humorous sallies even of the most licentious but her departure was the signal for an outbreak of ribaldry.

And nowe I saye unto you: refrayne youreselves from these men, and let them alone [...].

As I went down the river, all dissatisfaction at my lot passed away, and by the time Dartmouth came in view I could no longer refrain myself, but threw my cap into the air, and barely caught it from falling overboard as I shouted, "Hurrah for merry England![…]"

July 5, 1731, Jonathan Swift, letter to Vanessa If you knew how I struggle for a little health, what uneasiness I am at in riding and walking, and refraining from every thing agreeable to my taste

Refrain from these men, and let them alone.

They refrained therefrom [eating flesh] some time after.

I will [...] tell you the story of what has happened to me, if you like, but you must refrain from interruptions.

Synonyms for refrain

Antonyms for refrain

Related Words

Word Forms

• refrains
• refraining
• refrained

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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