thaw

• Nom désignant le processus de fonte ou de passage à l'état liquide après gel, une période de temps doux provoquant la fonte de la glace et de la neige, ou un relâchement de la tension ou de la réserve.

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.

   dégel

   • 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.

   Synonymesliquefactionmeltmeltingthawing

   Antonymesfreezing

2. Warm spell after freezeB1formal

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

   Redoux

   • 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.

   Antonymesfreeze

3. Relaxation of tensionB2formal

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

   Détente

   • 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.

   Synonymeseasingrapprochementrelaxationwarming

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner le processus de fonte ou de dégel, ainsi que le fait de ramener quelque chose à un état non gelé.

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.

   Faire fondre / fondre (en parlant de la glace)

   • 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.

   Synonymesdefrostliquefymeltunfreeze

   Antonymesfreezesolidify

2. Become friendlier or less reservedB2informal

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

   se dégeler (au sens figuré)

   • 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.

   Synonymesloosen upmeltrelaxsoftenunbendwarm up

   Antonymeschillcoolfreezeharden