thaw

• Substantiv, das das Schmelzen oder den Übergang in einen flüssigen Zustand nach dem Gefrieren bezeichnet, eine Periode warmen Wetters, die Eis und Schnee schmelzen lässt, oder eine Lockerung von Spannungen oder Zurückhaltung.

A noun referring to the process of melting or becoming liquid after being frozen, or a period of warm weather that causes ice and snow to melt, or a relaxation of tensions or reserve.

1. Melting processB1formal

   The process by which ice, snow, or another frozen substance turns into a liquid due to rising temperature.

   Tauprozess

   • The spring thaw caused the river to overflow its banks.
   • A gradual thaw is expected over the weekend.
   • The thaw of the permafrost is a major concern for scientists.

   Synonymeliquefactionmeltmeltingthawing

   Antonymefreezing

2. Warm spell after freezeB1formal

   A period of warm weather that melts snow and ice after a period of freezing temperatures.

   Tauwetter

   • The January thaw made the roads slushy and dangerous.
   • After a long winter, the thaw finally arrived in March.
   • The sudden thaw created large puddles everywhere.

   Antonymefreeze

3. Relaxation of tensionB2formal

   A reduction in hostility, formality, or reserve between people or groups.

   Entspannung

   • There was a thaw in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
   • The conversation marked a thaw in their long-standing argument.
   • A thaw in the tense atmosphere allowed for more open discussion.

   Synonymeeasingrapprochementrelaxationwarming

• Verb, das den Prozess des Schmelzens oder Auftauens bezeichnet, ebenso das Herbeiführen eines nicht gefrorenen Zustands sowie im übertragenen Sinne ein Nachlassen von Kälte oder Zurückhaltung.

A verb used to indicate the process of melting or becoming unfrozen, or making something unfrozen.

1. Melt or become liquidB1formal

   To change from a frozen solid to a liquid state as a result of warming.

   Tauen

   • The ice on the lake began to thaw in the spring sun.
   • She left the frozen chicken on the counter to thaw.
   • The warm weather will thaw the ground for planting.

   Synonymedefrostliquefymeltunfreeze

   Antonymefreezesolidify

2. Become friendlier or less reservedB2informal

   To become more relaxed, friendly, or less formal in manner.

   Auftauen

   • After a few jokes, the tense atmosphere began to thaw.
   • He slowly thawed towards his new colleagues.
   • Their relationship thawed after they had a long conversation.

   Synonymeloosen upmeltrelaxsoftenunbendwarm up

   Antonymechillcoolfreezeharden