thaw
UK: θɔː | US: θɔː
v.i. to change from a frozen to a liquid state due to rising temperature
v.t. to cause something frozen to melt
n. the process or period of thawing; a relaxation of tension (e.g., political thaw)
Derived from Old English þawian ("to melt, dissolve"), related to Old Norse þeyja ("to thaw") and Gothic þahan ("to be silent," metaphorically linked to stillness before melting). The word retains its original Germanic root without clear prefix/root/suffix divisions. Its core meaning of "melting ice" has expanded metaphorically to describe easing tensions.
The ice on the lake began to thaw in early spring.
She left the frozen meat to thaw on the counter.
A diplomatic thaw between the two countries allowed for renewed trade.
The sun’s warmth helped thaw the snow-covered roads.
His stern expression finally thawed into a smile.