Dictionary.com says:
Code:
freeze
[freez] Show IPA verb, froze, fro·zen, freez·ing, noun
verb (used without object)
1.to become hardened into ice or into a solid body; change from the liquid to the solid state by loss of heat.
2.to become hard or stiffened because of loss of heat, as objects containing moisture: Meat will freeze in a few hours.
3.to suffer the effects of intense cold; have the sensation of extreme cold: We sat there freezing until the heat came on.
4.to be of the degree of cold at which water freezes: It may freeze tonight.
5.to lose warmth of feeling; be stunned or chilled with fear, shock, etc.: My heart froze when she told me the news.
noun
34.the act of freezing; state of being frozen.
35.Also called ice-up. Meteorology . a widespread occurrence of temperatures below 32°F (0°C) persisting for at least several days:
A freeze is expected in the coastal areas.
36.a frost.
37.a legislative action, especially in time of national emergency, to control prices, rents, production, etc.: The government put a freeze on new construction.
38.a decision by one or more nations to stop or limit production or development of weapons, especially nuclear weapons.
Verb phrases
39.freeze on / onto, Informal . to adhere closely to; hold on; seize.
40.freeze out, to exclude or compel (somebody) to withdraw from membership, acceptance, a position of influence or advantage, etc., by cold treatment or severe competition.
41.freeze over, to coat or become coated with ice: The lake freezes over for several months each year.
Origin:
before 1000; (v.) Middle English fresen, Old English frēosan; cognate with Middle Low German vrēsen,
Old Norse frjōsa, Old High German friosan ( German frieren ); (noun) late Middle English frese, derivative of the v.