Thaw: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'thaw' when referring to the process of warming something frozen, especially food, to bring it back to a normal temperature. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something becoming friendlier or more open.

• I need to thaw the chicken before I can cook it.
• After a tense meeting, their relationship started to thaw.

Use 'melt' when describing the process of turning something solid into liquid using heat, especially substances like ice, butter, or chocolate. It can also be used metaphorically to describe softening of emotions or attitudes.

• The ice cubes started to melt in the heat.
• Her heart melted when she saw the puppy.

Employ 'defrost' when talking about removing ice or frost from something, usually referring to appliances like a freezer or car windshield. This word is commonly used in a technical or household context.

• Don't forget to defrost the freezer once a year.
• She woke up early to defrost her car before work.

Apply 'unfreeze' when talking about making something liquid again after it has been frozen. It has a more technical or mechanical implication than 'thaw'.

• The pipes in the house need to be unfrozen before they burst.
• He used a blow dryer to unfreeze the lock.

This term is ideal for describing the process of frozen food or substances turning back to their liquid state. It's commonly used in everyday conversation. Can also be used figuratively for things starting to get better in a cold or unfriendly context, like relationships.

• Thaw the chicken before cooking
• The sun gradually thawed the frozen lake
• After their argument, there was an awkward silence that soon began to thaw

Melting is appropriate for describing the process of solids turning into liquid due to heat, like ice or metal. It is often used in both literal and figurative senses.

• The ice cream is melting in the sun
• The heat of her smile caused his heart to start melting

This word is mainly used when talking about removing ice or frost from something, typically appliances like refrigerators or freezers. It is also often used when talking about preparing frozen food for cooking.

• Make sure to defrost the meat before grilling
• I need to defrost the fridge; there's too much ice buildup

Use this term when implying the stopping of a state of being frozen. It could apply to objects, but is less common and can sound technical or less natural in daily speech.

• The mechanic is unfreezing the engine parts
• By spring, the rivers will start unfreezing