A1 noun Neutral #3,488 most common

freeze

/friːz/

A period of extremely cold weather where the temperature drops below the freezing point of water. It is often used to describe weather conditions that cause ice to form or damage plants.

Examples

3 of 5
1

There was a hard freeze last night, so the birdbath is full of ice.

There was a hard freeze last night, so the birdbath is full of ice.

2

The local government issued a warning for an upcoming deep freeze.

The local government issued a warning for an upcoming deep freeze.

3

I hope we don't get a freeze tonight; I just planted my flowers.

I hope we don't get a freeze tonight; I just planted my flowers.

Word Family

Noun
freeze
Verb
freeze
Adverb
freezingly
Adjective
freezing
Related
freezer
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Memory Tip

Freeze starts with 'F' like 'Freezing' temperatures that turn water into ice.

Quick Quiz

The farmer was worried that a sudden ___ would ruin his orange trees.

Correct!

The correct answer is: freeze

Examples

1

There was a hard freeze last night, so the birdbath is full of ice.

everyday

There was a hard freeze last night, so the birdbath is full of ice.

2

The local government issued a warning for an upcoming deep freeze.

formal

The local government issued a warning for an upcoming deep freeze.

3

I hope we don't get a freeze tonight; I just planted my flowers.

informal

I hope we don't get a freeze tonight; I just planted my flowers.

4

Agricultural records show that the early freeze destroyed many crops.

academic

Agricultural records show that the early freeze destroyed many crops.

5

The transport company prepared for the winter freeze to avoid delivery delays.

business

The transport company prepared for the winter freeze to avoid delivery delays.

Word Family

Noun
freeze
Verb
freeze
Adverb
freezingly
Adjective
freezing
Related
freezer

Common Collocations

hard freeze a period of very low temperatures that kills plants
sudden freeze a cold period that happens quickly
deep freeze a period of extremely cold weather
winter freeze cold weather occurring during winter
early freeze freezing weather that happens before the usual time

Common Phrases

the big freeze

a long period of very cold weather

a hiring freeze

a period when a company stops employing new people

price freeze

a fixed limit on how much prices can increase

Often Confused With

freeze vs frost

Frost refers to the white ice crystals on surfaces, while a freeze refers to the weather event or temperature level.

freeze vs frozen

Frozen is an adjective describing something already turned to ice, whereas freeze is the noun for the event.

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Usage Notes

When used as a noun in the context of weather, it usually describes a specific event or period of time. It is often modified by adjectives like 'hard', 'deep', or 'sudden'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'freeze' when they mean 'ice' or 'cold'. Remember that 'a freeze' is the event of the temperature dropping.

💡

Memory Tip

Freeze starts with 'F' like 'Freezing' temperatures that turn water into ice.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'fresan', which means to turn to ice or become cold.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Commonly follows 'a' or 'the' Plural form is 'freezes'
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Cultural Context

In agricultural communities, the 'first freeze' of the year is an important date for harvesting crops.

Quick Quiz

The farmer was worried that a sudden ___ would ruin his orange trees.

Correct!

The correct answer is: freeze

More Weather words

windy

A1

Windy is an adjective used to describe weather conditions where there is a lot of strong, moving air. It characterizes a day or a place where the wind is blowing harder than usual, often making it feel colder or causing objects to move.

foggy

A1

Foggy is an adjective used to describe weather where there is a thick cloud of tiny water droplets near the ground. It makes it very difficult to see things that are far away or even close by.

stormy

A1

Describes weather that is characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and often thunder or lightning. It can also refer to a situation or relationship marked by strong conflict or angry arguments.

overcast

A1

An overcast is a condition where the entire sky is covered with clouds and no sun can be seen. It describes a grey and dull sky that often happens before rain or during cold days.

cool

A1

Describes a temperature that is moderately cold, typically in a way that is pleasant or refreshing. It is used to describe weather that is neither hot nor very cold, often requiring a light jacket.

freezing

A1

Freezing refers to the temperature at which water turns into ice, which is 0°C or 32°F. It describes the process or the state of the weather when it is cold enough for liquid to become solid.

humid

A1

Humid describes air that feels wet, damp, and sticky because it contains a lot of water vapor. It is often used to describe hot weather that makes you feel sweaty.

wet

A1

Describes something that is covered in or full of water or another liquid. In the context of weather, it refers to a day or period when it is raining.

mild

A1

Mild describes weather that is warmer than usual for a specific time of year, especially in winter or autumn. It means the temperature is moderate and pleasant, rather than being very cold or freezing.

rain

A1

Rain is water that falls from clouds in the sky in small drops. It is a natural weather event that provides water for plants and fills rivers and lakes.

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