refrain

CEFRB2

/ɹɪˈfɹeɪn/

verb · noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    verb

    To stop yourself from doing something.

  2. 02

    noun

    A repeated line or group of lines in a song.

Examples

  • Please refrain from smoking, while the non-smoking signs are on.

  • We agreed to refrain from smoking while we are at work.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
5
Synonyms
2

Deep Dive

verb

Extra meanings

  1. To repress (a desire, emotion etc.); to check or curb.

  2. To show restraint; to hold oneself back.

  3. To hold back, to restrain (someone or something).

More examples

In context

  • Please refrain from speaking without permission.

  • July 5, 1731, Jonathan Swift, letter to Vanessa If you knew how I struggle for a little health, what uneasiness I am at in riding and walking, and refraining from every thing agreeable to my taste

  • Refrain thy foot from their path.

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The doctor advised him to blank from eating sweets to control his rising blood sugar levels.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

verb

Inherited from Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-Norman refrener, Old French refrener, from Latin refrēnāre, from re- + frēnāre, from frēnum.