Definition of refrain

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< refractory

refrain >

re·frain ¹    (r-frn) KEY  

VERB:
re·frained , re·frain·ing , re·frains
VERB:
intr.

To hold oneself back; forbear: refrained from swearing.

VERB:
tr.
Archaic

To restrain or hold back; curb.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English refreinen, from Old French refrener, to restrain, from Latin refrnre : re-, re- + frnre, to restrain (from frnum, bridle, from frendere, to grind; see ghrendh- in Indo-European roots)

OTHER FORMS:
re·frainer (Noun), re·frainment (Noun)

SYNONYMS:
refrain ¹ , abstain , forbear ¹

These verbs mean to keep or prevent oneself from doing or saying something: refrained from commenting; abstained from smoking; can't forbear criticizing them.

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