* Despite the temptation, she refrained from eating the delicious-looking cake. (This example uses refrained to mean "avoided doing something").
* The speaker refrained from mentioning the controversial topic, knowing it would be divisive. (This example uses refrained to mean "avoided saying something").
* The dog refrained from barking, even though he wanted to greet the mailman. (This example uses refrained to mean "held back from acting").
* He refrained from interrupting, even though he had strong opinions on the matter. (This example uses refrained to mean "held back from speaking").
Key point: "Refrained" always implies that someone or something *chose* to *not* do something.