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 comes from the presence of re-, hinting at doing again but in the sense of holding back or not doing something.
- Restrain is related to holding something or someone back physically or emotionally.
- Think of refrain as a mental or verbal action, such as holding back one's thoughts or speech.
- Restrain is more about physical control or boundaries, like restraining a dog on a leash.
- Refrain usually deals with self-control, while restrain involves applying control over something or someone else.
© 2025 Lithium Lab Pte Ltd