S'empêcher de faire quelque chose.
To keep yourself from doing something.
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See how the word “s'abstenir de” is used in sentences
Abstenez-vous d'utiliser le téléphone ici. — Refrain from using the phone here.
Retenez-vous de faire du bruit dans la bibliothèque. — Please refrain from making noise in the library.
Les visiteurs doivent s'abstenir de toucher les objets exposés. — Visitors should refrain from touching the exhibits.
Je n'arrive pas à me retenir de rire de cette blague. — I can't refrain from laughing at that joke.
Pourriez-vous tous vous abstenir de crier, s'il vous plaît ? — Could everyone refrain from shouting, please?
C'est difficile de se retenir de manger un dessert ce soir. — It’s hard to refrain from eating dessert tonight.
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