thaw

• 名词，指冰雪融化或由冻结状态转为液态的过程，也指使冰雪融化的回暖天气，或紧张关系、拘谨态度的缓和。

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.

   融化

   • 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.

   同义词liquefactionmeltmeltingthawing

   反义词freezing

2. Warm spell after freezeB1formal

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

   解冻

   • 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.

   反义词freeze

3. Relaxation of tensionB2formal

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

   缓和

   • 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.

   同义词easingrapprochementrelaxationwarming

• 动词，指冰、雪等融化或解冻，也指使某物从冷冻状态恢复到非冷冻状态，还可引申指态度、关系等变得缓和。

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.

   融化

   • 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.

   同义词defrostliquefymeltunfreeze

   反义词freezesolidify

2. Become friendlier or less reservedB2informal

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

   态度缓和

   • 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.

   同义词loosen upmeltrelaxsoftenunbendwarm up

   反义词chillcoolfreezeharden