Definition

The act of choosing not to do something or holding back from an action.

Example

His refrainment from eating sweets helped him lose weight.

Conversation

I’ve been thinking about the importance of refrainment from bad habits.

That’s true! Sometimes it’s hard to hold back, though.

Yeah, but making that effort can really change things for the better.

Absolutely! It’s all about finding the right balance.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Refrainment is formed from "re-" (meaning again) and "frain" (from Old French *freiner*, meaning to restrain or hold back). The word refers to the act of holding back or restraining oneself from doing something again.

Memory Tip

Think of 'holding back' ('frain') from doing something 'again' ('re-') — that's what refrainment means.

Visually Confused Words