Unfreeze: meaning, definitions and examples

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unfreeze

[ʌnˈfriːz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

computing

To make a previously frozen system, device, or program operational again.

Synonyms

defrost, melt, thaw.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unfreeze	Commonly used in different contexts like finances or technology to mean lifting a restriction or limitation. It can also be used literally for ice or frozen items. The government decided to unfreeze the funds. Please unfreeze the computer by restarting it. Could you unfreeze the meat for dinner?
thaw	Typically refers to the process of something becoming unfrozen due to a rise in temperature. Often used about weather or food. Can also be used metaphorically to describe easing tensions or emotions. Leave the meat out to thaw. The ice began to thaw as spring approached. Their relationship started to thaw after the long argument.
defrost	Typically used in culinary contexts to describe the process of removing frost or ice from foods, particularly in preparation for cooking. Remember to defrost the chicken before cooking. The microwave has a defrost setting. I need to defrost the freezer; it's too full of ice.
melt	Used to describe the process by which something solid becomes liquid or softer due to heat. Can be used metaphorically for emotions or conditions. The sun will melt the snow by noon. Her heart began to melt seeing the puppy. Melt the butter in a saucepan.

Examples of usage

Before updating the software, make sure to unfreeze your computer.
After the system crash, the technician had to unfreeze the server to restore functionality.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

figurative

To release or remove restrictions or limitations.

Synonyms

liberate, release, unblock.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
unfreeze	Utilized when referring to thawing something that has been frozen, both literally and metaphorically (such as assets or funds). Please unfreeze the chicken for dinner tonight. The government decided to unfreeze the company's assets.
release	Used when letting someone or something go, typically from a confined space or control. Can refer to emotions, physical release, or media (such as movies or music). They decided to release the bird back into the wild. She found it hard to release her anger after the incident. The new movie is set to release next week.
liberate	Used when referring to setting someone or something free from oppression or captivity. Often used in historical, social, or political contexts. The soldiers were on a mission to liberate the occupied town. Activists worked hard to liberate the prisoners of conscience.
unblock	Used when removing an obstruction, both physically and metaphorically. Frequently applied to clogged pipes, digital communication (like blocking a user), or mental obstacles. The plumber is coming to unblock the drain. He finally decided to unblock his ex on social media. She attended a workshop to unblock her creative energy.

Examples of usage

The new manager was able to unfreeze the budget and allocate funds for the project.
The negotiations aimed to unfreeze the trade relations between the two countries.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'unfreeze' is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' to 'freeze', which means to change from liquid to solid through cold.
The concept of freezing dates back centuries, with the word entering the English language in the late Middle Ages but 'unfreeze' becoming common in the 20th century.

Science

Freezing and unfreezing are important processes in many scientific fields, including food preservation and cryogenics.
In biology, unfreezing cells that have been cryogenically frozen allows for the revival of living organisms, critical in research and medicine.

Technology

'Unfreeze' is often used in tech to describe restoring operation in unresponsive software or hardware.
Modern devices may have 'unfreeze' options in menus, allowing users to manually reset applications that are stuck.

Culinary

When cooking, unfreezing food properly is crucial to avoid bacteria growth, which can occur if food is thawed incorrectly.
Common methods of unfreezing include leaving food in the refrigerator or using microwave settings designed for defrosting.

Pop Culture

In many cartoons and movies, characters can get frozen in ice and 'unfreeze' when kissed or rescued, portraying a dramatic change.
The term is frequently referenced in games, where characters might be 'frozen' in place and need to 'unfreeze' to continue their adventures.

Translations

Translations of the word "unfreeze" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descongelar

🇮🇳 पिघलाना

🇩🇪 auftauen

🇮🇩 mencairkan

🇺🇦 розморожувати

🇵🇱 rozmrozić

🇯🇵 解凍する

🇫🇷 dégeler

🇪🇸 descongelar

🇹🇷 çözmek

🇰🇷 해동하다

🇸🇦 إذابة

🇨🇿 rozmrazit

🇸🇰 rozmraziť

🇨🇳 解冻

🇸🇮 odmrzniti

🇮🇸 afþíða

🇰🇿 ерітү

🇬🇪 გალღობა

🇦🇿 ərimək

🇲🇽 descongelar