thaw

//θɔː//
B1Frequency Level 11Neutral
Visual representation of thaw

Verb

thawInfinitive
thawPresent tense
thawedPast tense
thawedPast participle
thawingPresent participle
thawsThird-person singular
1

To change from a frozen solid state to a liquid or soft state as a result of warming.

The ice on the lake began to thaw in the spring sunshine.

2

To become less cold or hostile; to become friendlier or more relaxed.

After a few minutes of conversation, she began to thaw and smiled at me.

3

To cause something frozen to melt or become soft by warming it.

I thawed the frozen meat in the microwave.

Antonym

Noun

1

A period of warmer weather during which ice and snow melt.

The spring thaw caused the river to rise.

2

An increase in friendliness or relaxation of tension, especially in relations between countries.

The diplomatic thaw between the two countries brought hope for peace.

Synonym

Antonym