defrost

[ dih-frawst, -frost ]

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).

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

/ diːˈfrɒst /

verb

1. to make or become free of frost or ice
2. to thaw, esp through removal from a refrigerator

Word History and Origins

Origin of defrost¹

First recorded in 1890–95; de- + frost

Example Sentences

They freeze well, so make a big batch and defrost one at a time, so it’s ready for your kid when they get home.

From Washington Post

The air fryer wicks moisture from the food as it defrosts and cooks, so you end up with a crispy chimichanga-like burrito, not a soggy wrap.

From Outside Online

This has resulted in a number of cases where vaccines were wasted or pharmacists and others offered the vaccine to anyone who would take it, in order not to waste their defrosted supply after the day’s vaccinations were done.

From Popular-Science

The vaccine clinic has also managed to further reduce potential waste by getting appointment confirmations and defrosting vaccine vials close to appointment times, she said.

From ProPublica

That means pharmacists need to be on top of how many vaccines they will be giving, and ensure that they defrost the right number at the right time.

From Time

Defrost overnight in the refrigerator (if frozen) and bake before serving.

From The Daily Beast

“It takes a day to defrost and then it takes a day to take out,” Lupoi says on the recording.

From The Daily Beast

It would seem Bennett has decided to defrost a security perspective that went into deep-freeze in the 1970s.

From The Daily Beast

He opened the refrigerator and examined the control, then turned it to "defrost."

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• thaw