¹refrain

verb re·frain \ri-ˈfrān\

: to stop yourself from doing something that you want to do

Full Definition of REFRAIN

transitive verb

archaic

: curb, restrain

intransitive verb

: to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something and especially from following a passing impulse <refrained from having dessert>

— re·frain·ment \-mənt\ noun

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Origin of REFRAIN

Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-French refreiner, refreindre, from Latin refrenare, from re- + frenum bridle — more at frenum

First Known Use: 14th century

²refrain

noun

: a phrase or verse that is repeated regularly in a poem or song

: a comment or statement that is often repeated

Full Definition of REFRAIN

: a regularly recurring phrase or verse especially at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song : chorus; also : the musical setting of a refrain

See refrain defined for English-language learners

Origin of REFRAIN

Middle English refreyn, from Middle French refrain, alteration of Old French refrait melody, response, from past participle of refraindre to break up, moderate, from Vulgar Latin *refrangere, alteration of Latin refringere — more at refract

First Known Use: 14th century