freeze up

To suddenly stop working or moving, or make something stop.

• My laptop keeps freezing up.
• The screen froze up during the game.
• That software error can freeze the whole system up.

How to use it: freeze something up (A faulty update froze the system up.)

Similar words: freeze, hang, lock up

Common phrases: computers freeze up, freeze up suddenly, freeze something up

To suddenly be unable to move, speak, or act because of fear, surprise, or strong attention.

• I freeze up when I am scared.
• She froze up during the interview.
• Do you ever freeze up when everyone is watching you?

Similar words: freeze, seize up

Common phrases: freeze up onstage, freeze up completely, freeze up suddenly

To stop working because ice forms inside or around something.

• The pipes might freeze up tonight.
• Our water pump froze up during the cold weather.
• Has the valve frozen up again?

Similar words: ice up, freeze

Opposites: thaw

Common phrases: pipes freeze up, freeze up overnight, valves freeze up

To suddenly become unfriendly, reserved, and very formal towards someone.

• He froze up when I asked about his family.
• She tends to freeze up around strangers.
• His warm manner disappeared, and he froze up completely.

Similar words: become distant, withdraw

Opposites: warm up

Common phrases: freeze up socially, freeze up immediately, freeze up around someone