Word
thaw
US/ˈθɔ/
UK/θˈɔː/
Definitions
01to melt
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to turn from ice into water, or to soften after being frozen.
v. to change from a frozen to a liquid or soft state by a gradual increase in temperature. Both transitive and intransitive.
“The snow began to thaw as soon as the sun came out.”
“You should allow the turkey to thaw completely in the refrigerator before attempting to roast it.”
Pitfall
I am waiting for the meat to melt.
I am waiting for the meat to thaw.
Use 'thaw' or 'defrost' for food; 'melt' usually implies turning completely into a liquid like ice to water or wax to oil.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a period of melting
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a time when the weather becomes warm enough to melt ice and snow.
n. a period of weather warm enough to melt ice and snow, or the process of melting itself.
“The spring thaw caused the river levels to rise dangerously high.”
“The sudden February thaw turned the city's frozen streets into a chaotic mess of slush and deep puddles.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03political relaxation
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Formal · Academic
n. a time when two countries or groups start to have a better relationship.
n. a period of reduced tension or increased friendliness between previously hostile groups or nations.
“Historians discuss the diplomatic thaw between the two nations during the 1970s.”
“The cultural exchange programme marked a significant thaw in relations that had been frozen for over a decade.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“As the active layer becomes thicker over time, it signals that the ice deeper in the ground is thawing.” “In early summer, there is still ice in the ground as it starts to thaw.” Etymology
From Middle English thowen, thawen, from Old English þawian, þāwan (“to thaw”), from Proto-West Germanic þauwjan, from Proto-Germanic þawjaną (“to thaw”), from Proto-Indo-European teh₂- (“to melt”). Cognate with Saterland Frisian daie, dauje (“to thaw”), West Frisian teie (“to thaw”), Dutch dooien (“to thaw”), German Low German deien (“to thaw”), German tauen (“to thaw”), Swedish töa (“to thaw”), Icelandic þeyja (“to thaw”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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