refrain

US /rɪˈfreɪn/

UK /rɪˈfreɪn/

1.

stop oneself from doing something

:

•

Please refrain from smoking in this area.

•

She could not refrain from smiling.

:

abstain desist forbear hold back keep from

1.

a repeated line or set of lines in a poem or song

:

•

The choir sang the first verse and then the familiar refrain.

•

The song's catchy refrain made it popular.

:

chorus burden theme