Plural for a part of a song that is repeated, such as the chorus
“An odd tune for a man to belt out in the shower, she thought, and found herself singing the refrain with him in her mind.”
Plural for a (part of a) musical song or tune
“A melodic refrain can be heard. It soon moves into the agreeable and, arguably, predictable sounds of smooth jazz.”
Plural for a much-repeated comment, complaint, or saying
“They were like little old ladies who would grumblingly repeat an endless number of times the old refrain about the golden age that reigned when they were young.”
Plural for a phrase or passage that is recited, such as during prayer or meditation
Plural for a tedious recital or repetitive series
Plural for an act of refusal or avoidance
Plural for a section or division of a poem or song
To stop oneself from doing something
“In order for her to begin to address these feelings, she must first be able to refrain from overeating.”
To terminate or put off an action, task, or behavior
To restrict one's consumption, typically of food
Related Words and Phrases
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