refrain from (doing something)

refrain from (doing something)

To make a considered, conscious effort not to do something. I ask everyone to refrain from asking questions until the end of the presentation. Please refrain from talking while you are in the library.

See also: refrain

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

refrain from something

to hold back from doing something; to choose not to do something as planned. I wish you would refrain from shouting. Please refrain from hollering.

See also: refrain

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

refrain from

v.

To make a conscious decision not to do something: All passengers must refrain from smoking during the flight.

See also: refrain

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.