refrain

¹ American  

[ri-freyn] / rɪˈfreɪn /

verb (used without object)

1. to abstain from an impulse to say or do something (often followed byfrom ).

   I refrained from telling him what I thought.

   Synonyms:

   desist, forbear

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verb (used with object)

1. Archaic. to curb.

refrain ² American  

[ri-freyn] / rɪˈfreɪn /

noun

1. a phrase or verse recurring at intervals in a song or poem, especially at the end of each stanza; chorus.

2. Music.

   1. a musical setting for the refrain of a poem.

   2. any melody.

   3. the principal, recurrent section of a rondo.

3. an often heard statement, opinion, etc..

   Today’s technology haters have a common refrain—robots are bad for society.

4. a frequently occurring situation or series of events.

   The game followed a familiar refrain: a strong first quarter start that eventually fizzles out.

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refrain ¹ British  

/ rɪˈfreɪn /

noun

1. a regularly recurring melody, such as the chorus of a song

2. a much repeated saying or idea

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refrain ² British  

/ rɪˈfreɪn /

verb

1. to abstain (from action); forbear

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refrain Cultural  

1. In some pieces of verse, a set of words repeated at the end of each stanza.

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Other Word Forms

• refrainer noun
• refrainment noun
• unrefrained adjective
• unrefraining adjective

Etymology

Origin of refrain¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English refreinen, from Old French refre(i)ner, from Latin refrēnāre “to bridle,” derivative of re- re- + frēn(um) “bridle”

Origin of refrain²

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, Middle French refreyne, from Old French refrain, derivative of refraindre “to break sequence” from Vulgar Latin refrangere (unattested) for Latin refringere “to refract ”

Example Sentences

According to a statement shared at the time, Joel’s condition was affecting his hearing, vision and balance, and doctors recommended he refrain from performing for a while.

From Los Angeles Times

Although the ongoing Middle East conflict has pushed up oil prices and risks some jump in inflation, Barclays economists think that the central bank will refrain from reacting to cost-driven inflationary pressures.

From The Wall Street Journal

As a result, the Fed might refrain from cutting U.S. interest rates again until oil prices subside.

From MarketWatch

"We do not possess detailed information, including whether this was a measure for self-defence. Our country will refrain from making a legal assessment," she said on March 2.

From Barron's

While many displaced stranded in the capital refrained from criticising Hezbollah, some voiced frustration.

From Barron's

Related Words

• abstain
• avoid
• cease
• curb
• desist
• forgo
• halt
• renounce
• resist
• restrain