Definitions

1. noun

a repeated phrase or section in a song, poem, or piece of writing

“The refrain of the folk song was catchy and easy to remember.”

2. verb

to abstain or avoid doing something

“She tried to refrain from eating the last slice of pizza.”

3. verb

to hold back or restrain something

“The doctor instructed the patient to refrain from physical activity.”

4. verb

to exclude or leave something out

“The editor decided to refrain from including the controversial section.”