View synonyms for

freeze-up

[ freez-uhp ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Informal.

a freezing over of a body of water in an area.
a period of below-freezing temperatures.
the condition of being immobilized or inoperative through freezing:
car engine freeze-up in winter.

freeze-up

noun

a period of freezing or extremely cold weather
1. the freezing of lakes, rivers, and topsoil in autumn or early winter
2. the time of year when this occurs

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Word History and Origins

Origin of freeze-up¹

1875–80, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase freeze up

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

This is partly as a result of a late freeze-up of ice around Hudson Bay, with unusually warm ocean waters taking a long time to cool down.

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Were it not for one very, very bad freeze-up on camera, in fact, he might still be on the campaign trail telling us that today.

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After the freeze-up in July, CNN reported McConnell fell two other times this year.

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After last week’s freeze-up, the attending physician to Congress cleared McConnell to continue with his planned schedule.

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Republican Rep. Jim Banks posted a picture on X, formerly Twitter, showing Mr. McConnell chatting with him at his fundraiser, just hours after the freeze-up.

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Related Words

freezer burn freezing

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