refrain — to abstain from doing or stop oneself from doing something
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to abstain from doing or stop oneself from doing something
Pronunciation (IPA): /rɪˈfreɪn/
Example Sentences
- I tried to refrain from eating the last slice of pizza, but it was calling my name.
- The teacher asked students to refrain from using their phones during class.
- The annoying refrain of 'Baby Shark' played on repeat in the toy store.
refrain
VERB[/rɪˈfreɪn/]
to abstain from doing or stop oneself from doing something
He tried to refrain from checking his phone during the important meeting.
Refrain from the rain to avoid the pain
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old French 'refrenir' meaning 'to hold back or restrain', derived from Latin 're-' (back) and 'frenare' (to bridle, from 'frenum' meaning bridle or restraint).
Breakdown
re- (back, again) + frain (from Latin frenare, to bridle/restrain) = refrain (to hold back or abstain)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I tried to refrain from eating the last slice of pizza, but it was calling my name.”
“The teacher asked students to refrain from using their phones during class.”
“The annoying refrain of 'Baby Shark' played on repeat in the toy store.”
📚Related Words
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