Master confusing words with ease
Refrain vs. Restrain
Refrain
/rɪˈfreɪn/Examples:
The kids learned to refrain from interrupting in class.Please refrain from using mobile phones during the movie.He tried to refrain from making sarcastic remarks.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Restrain
/rɪˈstreɪn/Examples:
She had to restrain herself from laughing during the meeting.The dog was restrained with a sturdy leash to prevent it from running.He attempted to restrain his anger but could not succeed.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Refrain is about holding back an action, but from an inner decision.
- Restrain involves physically or mentally holding someone or something back.
- Refrain often deals with stopping oneself from doing something, especially speaking or acting inappropriately.
- Restrain suggests an external force or control imposed on someone or something.
- Remember: Refrain from doing something inappropriate; restrain a person or a situation that is getting out of hand.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd