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Freezing

UK //ˈfriːzɪŋ//US //ˈfrizɪŋ//

Definition

The state of being extremely cold, often resulting in the formation of ice.

In simple words: Very cold, below the temperature at which water turns to ice.

Examples

The weather outside is freezing and it's hard to stay warm.
I can't believe it's freezing; I thought spring had arrived.
After leaving the ice cream out, it became freezing and hard to eat.
The freezing temperatures last night caused the lake to freeze over.
He was freezing after staying outside without a coat for too long.
The wind chill made it feel even more freezing than it actually was.
She enjoyed the freezing air during her winter hike.
The freezing wind cut through my jacket like a knife.
Make sure to wear gloves; it’s freezing outside!
The freezing cold made her long for summer days.

Usage notes

Use 'freezing' to describe temperatures or feelings, but avoid using it in overly formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'freeze' and imagine icicles hanging from a roof in winter.

Collocations

freezing temperatures
freezing cold
freezing rain
freezing point
freezing weather

Synonyms

frigid
icy
gelid
cold
chill

Common mistakes

'Freezing' is often confused with 'frozen', which refers to something that has already turned to ice.
'Freezing' should not be used to describe something slightly cold, only very cold temperatures.
Learners sometimes use 'freezing' to mean 'very angry', which is informal and may not be widely understood.