refrain
verb (used without object)
to abstain from an impulse to say or do something (often followed byfrom ).
was refraining
-
past progressiveof refrain.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The “U.S. paused daily strikes on Iran for a 3rd consecutive night and Iran continued to signal it was refraining from any retaliatory attacks,” CBA’s John Oh says in a research report.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
He repeated again Thursday, as he was given the last word as the hearing closed, that he was refraining from violence.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 20, 2022
In Callen’s absence, Schaub continued to host the podcast with special guests and said he was refraining from sharing his “true thoughts” about the allegations because it was “only gonna hurt Bryan.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2020
Assad said earlier this week that the militants had breached the deal from the first day and the army was refraining from responding to give the deal a chance.
From Reuters ● Mar. 4, 2016
“Just now!” said Harry, who was refraining from yelling with enormous difficulty.
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
