to avoid doing or stop yourself from doing something

We refrained from talking until we knew that it was safe. 我们缄默不语，直到确定安全了才开始说话。

The sign on the wall said "Please refrain from smoking." 墙上有个牌子，上写“请勿吸烟”。

Synonym: desist

a short part of a song or poem that is repeated, especially between the verses (= the separate parts)

Synonym: chorus (SONG OR SONG PART)

a phrase that is often repeated

"Every vote counts" is a familiar refrain in politics. “每一票都重要”是政治上的老生常谈。