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Froze Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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froze

[froʊz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

temperature change

To freeze means to turn a liquid into a solid as a result of a decrease in temperature. This process occurs when the temperature drops below the freezing point of a substance. In nature, water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), forming ice. Freezing can also refer to the cessation of movement or activity, often used metaphorically. Additionally, freezing is commonly used in cooking and food preservation to prevent spoilage.

Synonyms

congeal, hard freeze, solidify.

Examples of usage

  • Water froze into ice overnight.
  • I froze the leftovers for later.
  • The ground will freeze if the temperature drops.
  • She froze in fear when she saw the spider.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • When water freezes, it expands, which is why ice floats on water.
  • The freezing point of water is 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), a crucial measurement in science.
  • In food preservation, freezing slows down decomposition by turning water into ice, which prevents bacteria growth.

Literature

  • In poetry, emotions can be described as being 'frozen' to communicate a sense of stillness or inability to move on.
  • Charles Dickens’ 'A Christmas Carol' uses freezing imagery to depict Scrooge's cold heart before his transformation.
  • The term appears in various literary works as a metaphor for emotional stasis or trauma.

Pop Culture

  • The Disney movie 'Frozen' popularized the song 'Let It Go', focusing on themes of freedom and self-acceptance.
  • Ice hockey, a popular sport, often sees players joking about 'freezing' the puck in tense moments.
  • The phrase 'freezing out' is commonly used in reality shows, indicating social isolation among competitors.

Climate

  • Freezing temperatures are a significant factor in climate change discussions, particularly the melting of polar ice caps.
  • Frostbite is a risk in freezing temperatures, highlighting how dangerous extreme cold can be to the human body.
  • Certain ecosystems are adapted to freezing conditions, like tundras where unique flora and fauna thrive despite the cold.

Origin of 'froze'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'froze' comes from the Old English word 'freosan', meaning to endure or to be frozen.
  • It has Germanic roots; related words exist in Old High German and Old Norse, reinforcing its ancient usage.
  • The past participle of freeze, 'frozen', adds an interesting twist to the word's meaning, indicating a change in state.

The word 'freeze' originates from the Old English 'freosan', meaning 'to be cold' or 'to become solid'. This term has its roots in Proto-Germanic '*frusōną', which is linked to Old Norse 'frjósa' and Dutch 'vriezen'. The linguistic evolution traces back further to Proto-Indo-European '*preu-', meaning 'to cut' or 'to bruise'. The transition in meaning to freezing reflects the physical transformation phenomena as something loses heat and undergoes changes in state from liquid to solid. Over time, 'freeze' has encompassed various contexts, including cooking and emotional states, showcasing its adaptability in modern English.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,762, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.