refrains from

[/rɪˈfreɪnz frəm/]
verb phrase
abstém-se de
1. to stop oneself from doing something; to deliberately avoid or resist an action or behavior
She refrains from eating sugar to maintain her health.
Ela se abstém de comer açúcar para manter sua saúde.
2. to exercise restraint or self-control in relation to a particular action
He refrains from commenting on political matters.
Ele se abstém de comentar sobre assuntos políticos.
In both Brazilian and American English contexts, 'refrains from' carries a formal, somewhat literary tone and is frequently used in moral, ethical, or health-related discussions. In Portuguese, 'abstém-se de' is similarly formal, while 'evita' offers a more casual alternative.
NYC Slang
passes on
Synonyms / Sinônimos
abstains fromavoidsdesists fromholds back fromrestrains oneself fromwithholds from
Antonyms / Antônimos
indulges inengages inparticipates ingives in to

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
abstém-se de
most common formal usage
General Brazilian
evita
informal alternative
Portugal
abstém-se de
standard European Portuguese usage

Related Words

restraintabstinenceself-controlmoderationforbearancetemperance

Related Idioms & Phrases

refrains from judgment
refrains from temptation
refrains from violence
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