refrain

About 4.30 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. verb To hold back, to restrain (someone or something). .mw-parser-output .defdate{font-size:smaller}
2. verb To show restraint; to hold oneself back.
3. verb To repress (a desire, emotion etc.); to check or curb.
4. verb To stop oneself from some action or interference; to abstain; to eschew
5. verb To abstain from (food or drink).
6. noun The chorus or burden of a song repeated at the end of each verse or stanza.
7. noun A much repeated comment, complaint, or saying.

Similar words

forbear desist abstain forebear chorus prevent cease forgo avert avoid

Often followed by

from of in is that and to was for

Word family

refrained refraining refrainment refrainments refrains