refrain

Plural: refrains

Noun

• the part of a song where a soloist is joined by a group of singers
• The chorus or burden of a song repeated at the end of each verse or stanza.
• A much repeated comment, complaint, or saying.

Verb

Verb Forms: refrained, refraining, refrains

• To hold back from doing something; to abstain.
• resist doing something
  • "He refrained from hitting him back"
• choose not to consume
• To hold back, to restrain (someone or something).
• To show restraint; to hold oneself back.
• To repress (a desire, emotion etc.); to check or curb.
• To stop oneself from some action or interference; to abstain; to eschew
• To abstain from (food or drink).

Examples

• He had to refrain from shouting when his opponent played a challenging word.

Synonyms

abstain, chorus, desist, forbear, hold, old saw

Antonyms

act, consume

Anagrams of refrain