refrain
Translation
to refrain, to abstain
Examples
Please refrain from smoking here.
Please refrain from smoking here.
He refrained from making a comment.
He refrained from making a comment.
Grammar Patterns
((from -ing)) to stop oneself from doing (sth.) Please refrain from smoking in this area.
Similar Words
Synonyms: abstain, desist; Antonyms: indulge, continue
Etymology
From Latin 'refrenare' (to bridle, hold back), from 're-' (back) + 'frenum' (bridle).
Memory Tips
Think of pulling back the 'reins' on an action to stop it. The verb is almost always followed by 'from'.