brain freeze

American  

[breyn freez] / ˈbreɪn ˌfriz /

noun

Informal.

1. Also called ice cream headache.  a pain in the temples and forehead brought on by quickly consuming very cold food or drink.

2. a temporary lapse in memory; a sudden mental block.

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Etymology

Origin of brain freeze

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

But Scotland midfielder McGinn scored his second goal of the game from distance after a brain freeze from Forest goalkeeper John Victor, who inexplicably charged out of his area.

From Barron's • Jan. 3, 2026

BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton described it as a "brain freeze", former Leeds forward Lucy Ward said on TNT it was a "shambles" and "farcical", while ex-England striker Peter Crouch called it a "moment of madness".

From BBC • Nov. 6, 2024

Granted, it is about a scheme to remove Will’s brain, freeze it, and blast it into space at unprecedented speeds so it can be intercepted and studied by the San-Ti.

From New York Times • Mar. 23, 2024

We have certainly heard from many readers that inducing brain freeze at the first hint of a migraine may avert it.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 2, 2023

I draw in a sharp inhale, just as I’m subjected to the worst brain freeze I’ve ever experienced.

From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer