defrost

American  

[dih-frawst, -frost] / dɪˈfrɔst, -ˈfrɒst /

verb (used with object)

1. to remove the frost or ice from.

   to defrost a refrigerator; to defrost the windshield of a car.

2. to thaw or partially thaw (frozen food).

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verb (used without object)

1. to become free of ice or frost.

   The refrigerator defrosted quickly.

2. to thaw, as frozen food.

   The meat took two hours to defrost.

defrost British  

/ diːˈfrɒst /

verb

1. to make or become free of frost or ice

2. to thaw, esp through removal from a refrigerator

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Etymology

Origin of defrost

First recorded in 1890–95; de- + frost

Explanation

To defrost something is to thaw it, or bring it from a state of being frozen to room temperature. You can defrost frozen shrimp by running them under cool water for several minutes. You have to defrost frozen food before you can eat it, and often before you can properly cook it. You might also need to defrost your icy windshield in the winter before you can drive your car. The word defrost comes from the Old English forst — before the 15th century, the words forst and frost were used interchangeably. When it's combined with de-, "off, away, or undo," it means "free of ice or frost."

Example Sentences

Undeterred, activists in Minneapolis have sought to turn the tables by creating "Defrost MN," a searchable database of ICE vehicles active in the city.

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

To reheat: Defrost in the refrigerator, if frozen, then warm in a 400-degree oven for about 10 minutes.

From Washington Post • Feb. 8, 2023

Defrost at room temperature and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2021

Defrost fully in the refrigerator or at room temperature before reheating in the microwave or a pot.

From Fox News • Oct. 21, 2021

Defrost and reheat on the stove top or in the microwave, and add the garnish right before serving.

From Washington Post • Mar. 21, 2021

Related Words

• thaw