refrain

//rɪˈfreɪn//
B2Frequency Level 10Neutral
Visual representation of refrain

Verb

refrainInfinitive
refrainPresent tense
refrainedPast tense
refrainedPast participle
refrainingPresent participle
refrainsThird-person singular
1

To stop oneself from doing something; to hold back or abstain from an action or impulse.

Please refrain from smoking in this area.

Antonym

Noun

refrainSingular
refrainsPlural
1

A repeated line or phrase in a song or poem, typically at the end of each verse.

The refrain of the song was so catchy that everyone sang along.

2

A comment or complaint that is often repeated.

"We need more funding" is a common refrain among researchers.

Synonym

refrain - Deep Vocabulary