freezing

American  

[free-zing] / ˈfri zɪŋ /

adjective

1. (of temperatures) approaching, at, or below the freezing point.

2. extremely or uncomfortably cold; chilled.

   We were both freezing and welcomed the hot cocoa.

3. beginning to freeze or partially frozen; frozen; in the process of being or becoming frozen. frozen.

---

freezing British  

/ ˈfriːzɪŋ /

adjective

1. informal extremely cold

---

Other Word Forms

• freezingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of freezing

First recorded in 1605–15; freeze + -ing ²

Example Sentences

The law said the president in response to a national emergency may deal with an “unusual and extraordinary threat” by freezing assets or sanctioning a foreign country or otherwise regulating trade.

From Los Angeles Times

Here are five chef-approved meals to eat when it’s freezing outside.

From Salon

Tuesday, setting off a challenging rescue operation in treacherous, remote, freezing conditions, eventually reaching the six survivors around 5:30 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Describing the sludge and silt in the tunnel area where Noah's body was eventually found, close to the M2 motorway, he said it "just sucks your feet under" in "absolutely freezing" conditions.

From BBC

Ukraine is facing an acute energy crisis after months of relentless Russian attacks on its infrastructure and as it struggles through a freezing winter.

From BBC

Related Words

• biting
• chilly
• frigid
• frosty
• glacial
• icy
• numbing
• polar
• wintry