三個單詞均有克制和約束的含義。abstain主要是指自我約束以放棄某項權(quán)利或戒除某項行為，尤指不當(dāng)或不健康的行為[1]。refrain多指暫時或短時間的一種克制或約束行為或克制沖動[2]。forbear則常指出于忍耐或慈善而實施的自我克制行為[3]。

[1 ] "To hold oneself back voluntarily, especially from something regarded as improper or unhealthy. ” Cf. James E. Clapp, Random House Websters Dictionary of the Law，at p. 4, Random House (2000).
[2] "Refrain has to do with withholding an action temporarily, or checking a momentary desire. ” Cf, The Editors of the Readers Digest, Use the Right Word, at p. 2, The Reader's Digest Association Proprietary Ltd. (1971).
[3]“Forbear is, in its intransitive sense, to exercise self-control, often out of motive of patience, or charity. ” Id. at p. 2.