deep‑freeze

IPA/dˈiːp fɹˈiːz/
IPA/dˈiːp fɹˈiːz/

deep‑freeze — noun

1. an electrically powered container or small room that keeps food at a temperature

1.nounB1
Definition

an electrically powered container or small room that keeps food at a temperature below zero degrees Celsius, turning it solid so it stays edible for much longer than in a normal fridge.

Example

The Watanabe family stores all their extra vegetables in a large deep‑freeze in the garage.

collocation: stores … in a deep‑freeze

We bought a chest-style deep‑freeze so we could keep enough meat for the whole winter.

compound modifier: chest-style deep‑freeze

Common collocations
  • chest deep‑freeze
  • upright deep‑freeze
  • fill a deep‑freeze
  • deep‑freeze lid
Synonyms
  • freezer

    more general term that includes both standalone units and fridge compartments

  • chest freezer

    specifically a deep‑freeze that opens from the top like a chest

Antonyms
  • refrigerator

    a cooling appliance that keeps food cold but not frozen

Grammar Patterns

a [adjective] deep‑freeze

[verb] the deep‑freeze

Usage Note

Deep‑freeze, freezer, and upright freezer all describe similar appliances. A deep‑freeze usually refers to a large freezer (often chest-shaped) used for bulk storage, while a standard freezer is often a compartment inside a fridge.

Common Mistakes

I put the ice cream in the deep‑freeze compartment of my fridge.
I put the ice cream in the freezer compartment of my fridge.
A deep‑freeze is a standalone appliance, not the freezing section inside a refrigerator.

2. a condition in which something has become completely frozen or has stopped all a

2.nounB2
Definition

a condition in which something has become completely frozen or has stopped all activity, like a living thing that is preserved at a very low temperature.

Example

The museum keeps the ancient woolly‑mammoth tissue in deep‑freeze for scientific study.

collocation: in deep‑freeze (uncountable)

Sperm and egg samples are often placed in deep‑freeze so they can be used for fertility treatments years later.

passive: be placed in deep‑freeze

Common collocations
  • in deep‑freeze
  • put into deep‑freeze
  • store in deep‑freeze
  • emerge from deep‑freeze
Synonyms
  • cold storage

    similar meaning, often used for food or documents kept at low temperatures

  • preservation

    broader term; does not specifically mean freezing

Grammar Patterns

be in deep‑freeze

come out of deep‑freeze

put [object] into deep‑freeze

Usage Note

This sense can be used literally (a biological or food item stored at freezing temperature) or figuratively (a project, plan, or relationship that has been completely paused). In figurative use it is often preceded by put into.

Common Mistakes

I forgot the milk on the counter and it went into deep‑freeze on its own.
I forgot the milk on the counter and it froze solid on its own.
Deep‑freeze implies deliberate, controlled cold storage, not accidental freezing.

deep‑freeze — verb

Word family

  • deep‑frozen
    adjectiveB2
  • deep‑freezing
    nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Deep‑freeze, freezer, chest freezer, and upright freezer all refer to appliances that freeze food, but they differ in shape and common usage. Deep‑freeze is the broadest brand‑neutral term for a large standalone freezer, often implying a chest‑shaped design with a top‑opening lid. Freezer can refer either to a standalone unit or to the freezing compartment inside a refrigerator, so it is less specific. A chest freezer is always a top‑opening, horizontal unit that is good for bulk storage. An upright freezer opens from the front like a refrigerator and usually has shelves, making daily access easier. For example: 'The butcher keeps his extra stock in a chest freezer in the back room,' but 'I grabbed a bag of peas from the freezer section of the fridge.'

deep‑freeze ↗freezer ↗chest freezerupright freezer

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • put something in the deep‑freeze
  • store something in a deep‑freeze
  • deep‑freeze something for later

Prepositions

Etymology

Englishbrand name (1940s)

Deep‑freeze started as a brand name in the 1940s, originally trademarked by a company that made home freezers. The word 'deep' emphasises the very low temperature (far below the freezing point of water), while 'freeze' refers to turning liquid into solid by cold. Over time the brand name became the everyday word for any large freezer, and later also for the verb meaning 'to freeze for storage.'