freezing
Americanadjective
-
(of temperatures) approaching, at, or below the freezing point.
-
extremely or uncomfortably cold; chilled.
We were both freezing and welcomed the hot cocoa.
-
beginning to freeze or partially frozen; in the process of being or becoming frozen.
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of freezing
Vocabulary lists containing freezing
Chemistry - Introductory
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Chemistry - High School
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Chemistry - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Freezing rain from January 23 to January 26 was the primary cause of losses, with commercial buildings facing significant damage from burst pipes.
From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026
Freezing these assets could have an effect comparable to military attack—at a fraction of the risk.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026
Freezing will kill parasites that may be present.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2025
Freezing the dough solidifies the butter and ensures that it melts evenly during baking, leading to biscuits that rise higher and more evenly, with a texture that’s light yet sturdy.
From Salon • Mar. 20, 2025
“He just wants to give us some hands-on experience,” said Hermione, immobilizing two pixies at once with a clever Freezing Charm and stuffing them back into their cage.
From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.