# freeze up

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To be adversely affected by ice, and not function.
2. (of machines and software) To come or bring to a sudden halt, stop working (functioning).
3. (of people and other animals) To stop or be stopped due to attentiveness, fear, surprise, etc.
4. To become cold and formal in demeanour.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-03.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/freeze-up