First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1refrain
verb re·frain \ri-ˈfrān\
: to stop yourself from doing something that you want to do
Full Definition of REFRAIN
transitive verb
archaic 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
See refrain defined for English-language learners
See refrain defined for kids
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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
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
REFRAIN Defined for Kids
1refrain
verb re·frain \ri-ˈfrān\
re·frainedre·frain·ing
Definition of REFRAIN for Kids
: to keep from giving in to a desire or impulse <I wanted to laugh but refrained.>
2refrain
noun
Definition of REFRAIN for Kids
: a phrase or verse repeated regularly in a poem or song
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