There are several words which can be used as synonyms for the phrase "avoiding reaction". These include "restraint", "self-control", "inhibition", "temperance", and "abstinence". Each of these words implies a conscious effort to control one's emotions or behavior in response to a triggering situation. A person who is practicing "restraint" may be actively working to suppress their initial reaction, while someone who is exercising "self-control" is using their willpower to manage their response. "Inhibition" implies a more innate tendency to hold back, while "temperance" suggests a deliberate effort to moderate one's reactions. "Abstinence" is perhaps the most extreme of these, implying a complete avoidance of any potential trigger for reaction.