Need another word for Refrain? Use these synonyms of Refrain from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
abstain
desist
cease
stop
halt
pause
delay
postpone
wait
forbear
avoid
shun
eschew
reject
deny
decline
refuse
resist
restrain
curb
check
hinder
impede
obstruct
bar
prevent
prohibit
forbid
ban
veto
abstention
self-control
self-restraint
moderation
temperance
prudence
discretion
reserve
reserve
restraint
control
limitation
restriction
curtailment
reduction
Meaning of Refrain
The primary meaning of the word "refrain" is to stop or avoid doing something.
Definitions
- A verse or phrase repeated regularly, especially at the end of each section of a song or poem
- * The act of stopping or avoiding doing something, especially in order to prevent or avoid a particular consequence or effect
Etymology of Refrain
The word "refrain" comes from the Old French word "refrain", which is derived from the Latin words "re" (meaning "again" or "anew") and "frangere" (meaning "to break"), and has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe a repeated phrase or verse, and also to describe the act of stopping or avoiding something.
Example Uses
- The singer had to refrain from screaming to save her voice for the rest of the tour
- * The judge urged the jury to refrain from discussing the case outside the courtroom
- * The refrain of the song was catchy and easy to remember