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Refrain vs Desist - What's the difference?

refrain | desist |

In intransitive terms the difference between refrain and desist

is that refrain is to stop oneself {{term|from}} some action or interference; to abstain while desist is to cease to proceed or act; to stop; to forbear; -- often with from.

As verbs the difference between refrain and desist

is that refrain is to hold back, to restrain (someone or something) while desist is to cease to proceed or act; to stop; to forbear; -- often with from.

As a noun refrain

is the chorus or burden of a song repeated at the end of each verse or stanza.

refrain

English

Etymology 1

From a combination of (etyl) refraindre, (etyl) refreindre (from (etyl) refrangere), and (etyl) refrener, (etyl) refrener (from (etyl) refrenare).

Verb

(en verb)
  • (archaic) To hold back, to restrain (someone or something).
  • * Proverbs i:15 .
    • Refrain thy foot from their path.
  • (reflexive, archaic) To show restraint; to hold oneself back.
  • * 1526 , (William Tyndale), trans. Bible , Acts V:
    • And nowe I saye unto you: refrayne youreselves from these men, and let them alone [...].
  • *
    • his reson aperceyueth it wel that it is synne / agayns the lawe of god / and yet his reson / refreyneth nat his foul delit or talent.
  • * Bible, Proverbs i. 15
    • Refrain thy foot from their path.
  • To stop oneself (from) some action or interference; to abstain.
  • * Bible, Acts v. 38
    • Refrain from these men, and let them alone.
  • * Sir Thomas Browne
    • They refrained therefrom [eating flesh] some time after.
  • *
    • Who, requiring a remedy for his gout, received no other counsel than to refrain cold drink.

    Etymology 2

    From (etyl) refrain, from the (etyl) verb . See refract and the verb refrain.

    Noun

    (wikipedia refrain) (en noun)
  • The chorus or burden of a song repeated at the end of each verse or stanza.
    • We hear the wild refrain . Whittier.
  • A much repeated comment, complaint, or saying.

    • References

    *

    Anagrams

    * ----

    desist

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To cease to proceed or act; to stop; to forbear; -- often with from .
  • * 1906 , , part I, ch I,
    • One Ear was uttering quick, eager whines, lunging at the length of his stick toward the darkness, and desisting now and again in order to make frantic attacks on the stick with his teeth.

    Anagrams

    *