deep freeze
2
4.3
- noun
- /dip friz/
- UK
:
ola de frío
- During the deep freeze, many schools were closed due to unsafe travel conditions.
Examples
-
They tan the the Gutskin in a deep freeze, the coldest part of winter to get this very opaque white with flexibility.
-
The deep freeze has covered the entire region, creating hazardous driving conditions.
-
After enduring a week of deep freeze, residents were relieved when temperatures finally began to rise.
Synonyms
44
1.4
A time when it is cold enough for water to turn to ice
6
3.2
A short sudden time of very cold weather that is colder than usual
1
3.5
A short period of unusually cold weather
1
4.0
A long period of much colder than usual weather that affects a large area
Antonyms
How Cold
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun 'deep freeze' is a straightforward composition of 'deep' (very/extreme) + 'freeze' (a period or state of freezing), so its meaning as an extended period of very cold weather is directly derivable from the parts. This intensifier + state pattern is common and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents will readily understand it.
Etymology
The noun deep freeze meaning a long period of 'very cold' weather comes from the picture of ground and water turning to ice far down: deep shows how strong or long the cold is and freeze shows everything turning to ice. That's why people call a very strong, long cold spell a deep freeze.