to refrain
81
4.2
- verb
- /rɪˈfreɪn/
- To maintain a peaceful environment, please refrain from talking during the performance.
- refrain from making
- refrain from using
- asked to refrain
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Watch on YouTubeIn apprehending it, we must refrain from trying to comprehend it.
- In apprehending it, we must refrain from trying to comprehend it.
- But one of the reasons I abstain or refrain from it as much as possible.
- And so Americans, I think on the whole refrain from wars.
- Try to consciously refrain from value judgements.
- Shasby, please refrain from mentioning Teletubbies.
- And I'll refrain from saying who else I think is guilty in this.
- So I just please ask that you refrain from giving medical advice in this video.
- I would gush but you, but I'll refrain.
- Give that, give it attention, and refrain as much as possible from labelling your sense perceptions.
- And, and so, you know, I wrote this, this organ composition, which is based on the Bible, but I didn't refrain from putting little jokes in it.
- We see that even minor requested performance, which includes refraining from doing something, can constitute consideration.
- And that he'll refrain from using nuclear weapons and that he will promote human rights.
- So are you telling me that because of possible backlash, you would refrain from taking action that you think should be taken?
- Give that, give it attention and refrain as much as possible from labeling your sense perceptions.
- So just notice the amount of complaining that might be happening on the date and refrain from too much commiseration on that first date.
Examples
-
The counselor should ask the most relevant questions and refrain from asking too many personal questions.
Academic text (1999) -
Class, I know these look like mushrooms, but refrain from eating them.
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So I just please ask that you refrain from giving medical advice in this video.
-
And I'll refrain from saying who else I think is guilty in this.
-
We refrain from religious items and discussion at all times.
-
I must admit that I, too, could not refrain from taking a second look.
Fiction book (1991) -
Should I refrain from judging that?
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Please refrain from charging any mobile phones or devices.
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Ladies and gentlemen, with courtesy to the players... please refrain from excessive noise... and throwing anything onto the field.
-
Detective Fuller, I'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from comments like that in my presence.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
To stay away from something or not do it to stop something bad from happening
711
1.6
Keep a distance from people or things you want to avoid
570
2.3
Avoid going near people or places for safety
278
2.4
To stay away from a place, person, or thing
66
3.8
To avoid getting involved in an argument or fight
65
3.7
To refuse to have anything to do with someone or something
48
5.8
To hold back feelings or reactions
29
5.0
To choose not to take something, often for health or religious reasons
29
3.9
To avoid doing something you should do, for example a duty or a direct question
23
8.9
To avoid something on purpose
5
8.1
Stop yourself from doing or saying something when you feel tempted
Antonyms
How Restrained
29
5.0
30
6.3
81
4.2
224
2.5
86
4.2
301
2.5
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word refrain as a verb comes from the idea of holding back, like pulling a horse's rein to stop it. So, to refrain is to 'hold back' or avoid doing something.