refrain
1re·frain
verb \ri-ˈfrān\Definition of REFRAIN
transitive verb
archaic intransitive verb
: to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something and especially from following a passing impulse <refrained from having dessert>
— re·frain·ment \-mənt\ noun
See Examples of REFRAIN
- I was going to make a joke but I refrained.
Origin of REFRAIN
Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-French refreiner, refreindre, from Latin refrenare, from re- + frenum bridle — more at frenum
First Known Use: 14th century
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