Refrainment — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ri-ˈfrān/ re·frain

Meaning & Definition of Refrainment

Refrainment (verb)

  1. curb, restrain
  2. to keep oneself from doing, feeling, or indulging in something and especially from following a passing impulse

Refrainment (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the checking of one's true feelings and impulses when dealing with others

    "students in the class should show some generosity and refrainment when critiquing the work of their fellow photographers"

    similar: constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression
    related: command, control, mastery, possession, self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower, composure, self-poise, self-possession, aloofness, detachedness, distance, bashfulness, modesty, shyness, reticence, silence, taciturnity
    opposite: disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint
    near: self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence, bluntness, candor, frankness, immoderacy, intemperance

Related Entry: Refrain (from) (verb)

Refrain (from) is a different word from Refrainment. The synonyms below are for refrain (from), not for refrainment.

  1. to resist the temptation of

    "couldn't refrain from ruffling her nephew's neatly combed hair whenever she saw him"

    similar: abjure, abstain (from), forbear, forgo, keep (from), withhold (from)
    related: avoid, eschew, shun, check, constrain, curb, inhibit, deny, refuse, reject, repudiate, buck, combat, fight
    opposite: bow (to), give in (to), submit (to), succumb (to), surrender (to), yield (to)
    near: acquiesce (to), capitulate, concede (to), knuckle under (to)

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Refrainment

The most common words with a similar meaning to Refrainment:

constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Refrainment

Words with the opposite meaning of Refrainment:

disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint

Related Words for Refrainment

command, control, mastery, possession, self-censorship, self-containment, self-denial, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, will, willpower, composure, self-poise, self-possession, aloofness, detachedness, distance, bashfulness, modesty, shyness, reticence, silence, taciturnity

Near Antonyms of Refrainment

self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness, gratification, indulgence, overindulgence, self-indulgence, bluntness, candor, frankness, immoderacy, intemperance

Word Forms of Refrainment

Inflections: refrained, refraining, refrains

Derived words: refrainment (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Refrainment

Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-French refreiner, refreindre, from Latin refrenare, from re- + frenum bridle frenum

First known use: 14th centuryt

Frequently Asked Questions about Refrainment

What does "Refrainment" mean?

"Refrainment" means curb, restrain. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: curb, restrain.

What is another word for "Refrainment"?

Other words for "Refrainment" include constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, repression, reserve and restraint. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Refrainment" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Refrainment"?

There are 36 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Refrainment". Common alternatives include constraint, continence, discipline, discretion, inhibition, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command and self-control.

What is the opposite of "Refrainment"?

Antonyms of "Refrainment" include disinhibition, incontinence and unconstraint. Near antonyms include self-abandonment, uninhibitedness, unrestrainedness and gratification.

How do you use "Refrainment" in a sentence?

Examples of "Refrainment" in a sentence: "students in the class should show some generosity and refrainment when critiquing the work of their fellow photographers".

Is "Refrainment" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Refrainment" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Refrainment"?

"Refrainment" is pronounced /ri-ˈfrān/ and divided into syllables as re·frain.

What is the origin of the word "Refrainment"?

"Refrainment" comes from Middle English refreynen, from Anglo-French refreiner, refreindre, from Latin refrenare, from re- + frenum bridle frenum. First known use: 14th centuryt.