deep freeze

¹ American  

noun

1. a state or period of halted or suspended activity or progress.

   High interest rates created a deep freeze in housing construction.

2. suspended animation.

---

idioms

1. put in / into the deep freeze, to stop or suspend the activity or progress of.

   A series of quarrels put their romance into the deep freeze.

deep-freeze ² American  

[deep-freez] / ˈdipˈfriz /

verb (used with object)

deep-freezed, deep-froze, deep-freezed, deep-frozen, deep-freezing

1. to quick-freeze (food).

2. to store in a frozen state.

---

Etymology

Origin of deep freeze¹

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Origin of deep-freeze²

An Americanism dating back to 1945–50; deep + freeze

Example Sentences

The pandemic’s housing rush—followed by its deep freeze caused by rising prices and mortgage rates—also played a part.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

“We’re in a deep freeze when it comes to the labor market,” said Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

With much of the country in a deep freeze in the past month, plenty of people are likely thinking of getting away on a tropical vacation.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

The city experienced a deep freeze that plunged residents into cold and darkness.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

Mrs. Zuckerman wanted to see a deep freeze.

From "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White