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

He did so even after a large dose of ketamine earlier that month caused Perry to "freeze up", leading Mr Plasencia to advise against a similar-sized dose in the future, prosecutors said.

From BBC

At one point, a large dose caused Perry to “freeze up,” prosecutors said.

From Los Angeles Times

Authorities said the doctor provided more ketamine even though he had witnessed Perry "freeze up" while administering the drug on one occasion.

From BBC

Two days later, he allegedly injected him at home with a large dose that caused him to "freeze up" and his blood pressure to spike.

From BBC

On one occasion, according to the indictment, Plasencia injected Perry with a large dose of ketamine that caused the actor to freeze up and his blood pressure to significantly spike.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lose it
• overreact
• scare