Refrain from Meaning in English

expression

US

ɹɪˈfɹeɪn/ /ˈfɹəm

ri-FRAYN frum

UK

ɹɪfɹˈeɪn/ /fɹˈɒm

ri-frayn FROM

Definition

To choose not to do something, especially something you want to do or is expected, often for moral, polite, or legal reasons.

Usage & Nuances

"Refrain from" is formal and is often used in signs, rules, or polite requests (e.g., "Please refrain from smoking"). It is followed by a gerund (verb+ing) or noun. Less formal alternatives include "avoid" or "stop".

• Spanish: abstenerse de
• Portuguese (BR): evitar - abster-se de
• Portuguese (PT): evitar - abster-se de
• Chinese (Simplified): 避免
• Chinese (Traditional): 避免
• Hindi: से बचना
• Arabic: الامتناع عن
• Bengali: বিরত থাকা - পরিহার করা
• Russian: воздерживаться
• Japanese: 控える
• Vietnamese: kiềm chế - tránh
• Korean: 삼가다
• Turkish: kaçınmak - uzak durmak
• Urdu: باز رہنا - پرہیز کرنا
• Indonesian: menahan diri - menghindari

Example Sentences

Please refrain from eating in the library.

basic

He decided to refrain from making any comments.

basic

Try to refrain from shouting.

basic

Though tempted, she managed to refrain from checking her phone during dinner.

natural

If you can't refrain from laughing, please step outside.

natural

We kindly ask all guests to refrain from using flash photography here.

natural