Refrain has 5 different meanings across 2 categories:
Noun
· Verb
Noun
1
the part of a song where a soloist is joined by a group of singers
"During the chorus, the lead vocalist stepped back so the entire choir could refrain and harmonize together."
2
The chorus or burden of a song repeated at the end of each verse or stanza.
"The audience began to hum along as the refrain rose again after another powerful verse in the ballad."
Verb
1
resist doing something
"He refrained from hitting him back"
"she could not forbear weeping"
2
choose not to consume
"I abstain from alcohol"
3
To hold back, to restrain (someone or something).
"The security guard had to refrain the excited puppy from chasing the mail carrier down the sidewalk."
Example Sentences
"He refrained from hitting him back"
verb
"she could not forbear weeping"
verb
"I abstain from alcohol"
verb
Related Terms
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
Narrower Terms (hyponyms)