refrain

1 of 2

verb

re·​frain ri-ˈfrān 

refrained; refraining; refrains

transitive verb

archaic : curb, restrain

intransitive verb

: to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something and especially from following a passing impulse

refrained from having dessert

refrainment

ri-ˈfrān-mənt 

noun

refrain

2 of 2

noun

1

: a regularly recurring phrase or verse especially at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song : chorus

also : the musical setting of a refrain

2

: a comment or statement that is often repeated

Synonyms

Verb

• abjure
• abstain (from)
• forbear
• forgo
• forego
• keep (from)
• withhold (from)

Noun

• burden
• chorus

Examples of refrain in a Sentence

Verb

I was going to make a joke but I refrained.

Noun

A common refrain among teachers these days is that the schools need more funding.

I didn't know the verses of the song, so I only sang on the refrain.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Importantly, the first principle would require AI companies to refrain from using contractual agreements to punish employees for speaking out about AI risks. —Michael Kan, PCMAG, 4 June 2024

The West’s primary reason for hesitating — fear of nuclear escalation — was overblown, Mr. Zelensky said, because President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia would refrain from using nuclear weapons out of a sense of self-preservation. —Andrew E. Kramer Daniel Berehulak, New York Times, 21 May 2024

Noun

His departure led to a full-scale shakeup at Jabil, which was another refrain among the constructive criticism employees had for the company. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 24 May 2024

Even as major Western powers refrain from recognition, the round of announcements illustrates yet again how the devastating war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas is complicating traditional Western alliances — both within the EU and in transatlantic ties. —Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-French refreiner, refreindre, from Latin refrenare, from re- + frenum bridle — more at frenum

Noun

Middle English refreyn, from Middle French refrain, alteration of Old French refrait melody, response, from past participle of refraindre to break up, moderate, from Vulgar Latin *refrangere, alteration of Latin refringere — more at refract

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

refrain

1 of 2 verb

re·​frain ri-ˈfrān 

: to hold oneself back

refrain from laughing

refrain

2 of 2 noun

: a regularly repeated phrase or verse of a poem or song : chorus