1. (verb) to hold back or stop oneself from doing something
Please refrain from smoking in this area.
Por favor, abstenha-se de fumar nesta área.
2. (verb) to avoid or abstain from an action or behavior
I will refrain from commenting on that matter.
Vou me abster de comentar sobre esse assunto.
3. (noun) a repeated line, phrase, or verse in a song or poem; a chorus
The refrain of the song is very catchy.
O refrão da música é muito pegajoso.