rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrefrainHolding back
verb

refrain

rih-FRAYN/rɪˈfreɪn/

Choose not to do something.

He refrains from taking a cookie by pulling his own reaching hand back.

A young man visibly restrains his own attempt to take a cookie: one hand reaches toward the plate while his other hand draws that reaching wrist back toward his chest.
Etymology
reLatinback
+frainLatinbridle, restrain

The image is of holding back with a bridle. Restraining someone or something became restraining oneself, giving the sense of choosing not to act.

In context

TwoSetViolin1:03
No we should stop this. Alright, I was just...it was a joke, oh.. - It's a joke, guys. - Oh no. The game is to refrain from making sarcastic, almost offensive comments.
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More examples

  • She refrained from commenting.
  • They are refraining from unnecessary purchases.
  • Please refrain from shouting.

Forms

refrain · refrains · refrained · refraining

Similar words

abstain
Often used for voting or avoiding a habit.
resist
Opposes an impulse rather than merely choosing not to act.