freeze-up

[ freez-uhp ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a freezing over of a body of water in an area.
2. a period of below-freezing temperatures.
3. the condition of being immobilized or inoperative through freezing:

   car engine freeze-up in winter.

freeze-up

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of freeze-up¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

From Slate

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

From Salon

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

From Seattle Times

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.

From Washington Times

Mr. McConnell’s latest freeze-up happened after a reporter asked him if he plans to run for another Senate term in 2026.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• lose it
• overreact
• scare