v. t. | 1. | To hold back; to restrain; to keep within prescribed bounds; to curb; to govern. |
2. | To abstain from. | |
v. i. | 1. | To keep one's self from action or interference; to hold aloof; to forbear; to abstain. |
n. | 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. |
Noun | 1. | refrain - the part of a song where a soloist is joined by a group of singers Synonyms: chorus |
Verb | 1. | refrain - not do something; "He refrained from hitting him back"; "she could not forbear weeping" Synonyms: forbear |
2. | refrain - choose no to consume; "I abstain from alcohol" |