# freeze over

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/freeze-over
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to become completely covered with a layer of ice.

For teachers: to become entirely coated or blocked with ice; typically used of bodies of water or mechanical systems.

## Examples

- The lake usually freezes over in January.
- The pipes froze over during the winter storm, leaving the house without running water.
- By mid-winter, the entire bay had frozen over, allowing local residents to walk across the thick ice to the neighboring island.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The lake was frozen across." but "The lake was frozen over." — the particle 'over' is the standard way to describe a surface being covered by ice.

## Usage notes

- often used intransitively when referring to lakes or ponds.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'freeze' (the general process) and 'freeze up' (often used for machinery or computers stopping); 'freeze over' specifically implies a surface layer of ice.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.