Refrainment: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is rarely used and may not be understood clearly. It could generally mean the act of holding back or stopping oneself.

This word often has a formal or serious tone and can denote physical control, self-control, or limitation imposed by others.

• The prisoner was placed in restraints.
• He showed great restraint by not responding angrily.

This word is formal and often used in legal, political, or formal decision-making contexts when someone chooses not to vote or participate.

• The board member's abstention influenced the final vote count.
• His abstention from voting showed his neutrality.

This word is commonly used in everyday situations to denote a short break in activity or speech.

• Let's take a pause and continue the meeting after lunch.
• There was a long pause before she answered the question.