freeze frame

American  

Or freeze-frame

noun

Television, Movies.

1. an optical effect or technique in which a single frame of film is reprinted in a continuous series, which when shown gives the effect of a still photograph.

2. a button or other mechanism on a projector, videocassette system, etc., allowing one to stop the projected picture at any point.

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freeze-frame British  

noun

1. films television a single frame of a film repeated to give an effect like a still photograph

2. a single frame of a video recording viewed as a still by stopping the tape

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verb

1. (tr) to make a freeze-frame of (an image)

Other Word Forms

• freeze-frame adjective

Etymology

Origin of freeze frame

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Krausz, whose team generated the first ultra-fast pulses in the early 2000s, has previously likened attosecond physics to a fast-shutter camera where the short light flashes allowed a freeze frame look within the microcosm.

From Reuters • Oct. 3, 2023

The pilot ends by returning to the cannibal scene with a reveal reminiscent of a ’90s record-scratch freeze frame — the ol’ “I bet you’re wondering how I got here.”

From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2023

But it’s important to be able to do that freeze frame, go back, understand what they’re telling you.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 14, 2022

The masterstroke might be the entrance hall specification, which throws Mishima’s freeze frame into sublime high-def.

From New York Times • Oct. 8, 2022

After the third episode of the “Game of Thrones” prequel series premiered on Sunday, Twitter user @SarahC_821 shared a freeze frame of Viserys handing a letter to one of his soldiers.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2022