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Definition of Refrain
1. Verb. Resist doing something. "She could not forbear weeping"
Specialized synonyms: Leave, Leave Alone, Leave Behind, Let It Go, Abstain, Save, Spare, Forbear, Hold Back, Help, Help Oneself, Stand By, Sit Out
Derivative terms: Forbearance
Antonyms: Act
2. Noun. The part of a song where a soloist is joined by a group of singers.
Generic synonyms: Music
Group relationships: Song, Vocal
Specialized synonyms: Tra-la, Tra-la-la
Derivative terms: Choral, Chorus
3. Verb. Choose not to consume. "I abstain from alcohol"
Specialized synonyms: Fast, Fast, Avoid, Keep Off, Teetotal
Derivative terms: Abstainer, Abstainer, Abstention, Abstinence, Abstinent, Abstinent
Antonyms: Consume
Definition of Refrain
1. v. t. To hold back; to restrain; to keep within prescribed bounds; to curb; to govern.
2. v. i. To keep one's self from action or interference; to hold aloof; to forbear; to abstain.
3. n. The burden of a song; a phrase or verse which recurs at the end of each of the separate stanzas or divisions of a poetic composition.
Definition of Refrain
1. Verb. (transitive archaic) To hold back, to restrain (someone or something). (defdate from 14th c.) ¹
2. Verb. (reflexive archaic) To show restraint; to hold oneself back. (defdate from 14th c.) ¹
3. Verb. (context: transitive now rare) To repress (a desire, emotion etc.); to check or curb. (defdate from 14th c.) ¹
4. Verb. (intransitive) To stop oneself (term from) some action or interference; to abstain. (defdate from 15th c.) ¹
5. Verb. (context: transitive now rare regional) To abstain from (food or drink). (defdate from 16th c.) ¹
6. Noun. The chorus or burden of a song repeated at the end of each verse or stanza. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Refrain
1. to keep oneself back [v -ED, -ING, -S]
Medical Definition of Refrain
1. The burden of a song; a phrase or verse which recurs at the end of each of the separate stanzas or divisions of a poetic composition. "We hear the wild refrain." (Whittier) Origin: F. Refrain, fr. OF. Refraindre; cf. Pr. Refranhs a refrain, refranher to repeat. See Refract,Refrain. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Refrain
Other Resources:
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