freeze up
The phrase "freeze up" can describe physical immobilization due to cold, or a person's reaction to fear or pressure.
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Definition
B2Weather
(general)To become covered with ice, causing immobilization.
Example
- The lake will freeze up by December, making it perfect for ice skating.
B2Technology
(technical)To stop working due to cold temperatures or internal issues.
Example
- My computer tends to freeze up when I run too many programs at once.
B1Psychology
(informal)To become unable to move or speak due to fear or nervousness.
Example
- He tends to freeze up during job interviews.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "freeze up":
freeze tofreeze on tofreeze branddeep freezeice upseize upfreezing coldbrain freezefree upfreeze framelock upblack frostput someone on iceblock upstay frostyblocked uplocked upfrozen starmelt downcold spell