refrain

1 of 2

verb

re·​frain ri-ˈfrān 

refrained; refraining; refrains

transitive verb

archaic : curb, restrain

intransitive verb

: to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something and especially from following a passing impulse

refrained from having dessert

refrainment

ri-ˈfrān-mənt 

noun

refrain

2 of 2

noun

1

: a regularly recurring phrase or verse especially at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song : chorus

also : the musical setting of a refrain

2

: a comment or statement that is often repeated

Synonyms

Verb

• abjure
• abstain (from)
• forbear
• forgo
• forego
• keep (from)
• withhold (from)

Noun

• burden
• chorus

Examples of refrain in a Sentence

Verb

I was going to make a joke but I refrained.

Noun

A common refrain among teachers these days is that the schools need more funding.

I didn't know the verses of the song, so I only sang on the refrain.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The temporary restraining order prohibited him from contacting her and included instructions to refrain from harassment or abuse, according to the filings. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

Director Ali Selim was even instructed to refrain from reading the original. —Nola Pfau, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025

Noun

During our quarterly strategy days, staff refrain from taking meetings to focus on longer-term projects or planning. —Matthew Gayer, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Rather than refrain from communicating with faculty and students, university leaders might acknowledge the fear and pain people are feeling in response to anti-immigration and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. —Annmarie Caño, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-French refreiner, refreindre, from Latin refrenare, from re- + frenum bridle — more at frenum

Noun

Middle English refreyn, from Middle French refrain, alteration of Old French refrait melody, response, from past participle of refraindre to break up, moderate, from Vulgar Latin *refrangere, alteration of Latin refringere — more at refract

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for refrain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Kids Definition

refrain

1 of 2 verb

re·​frain ri-ˈfrān 

: to hold oneself back

refrain from laughing

refrain

2 of 2 noun

: a regularly repeated phrase or verse of a poem or song : chorus