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freeze on to

C1 neutral inseparable intransitive

To become stuck to a surface because of freezing cold temperatures.

In plain English

When something gets stuck to something else because it is so cold that ice forms and bonds them together.

What does "freeze on to" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 C1 neutral

To become physically bonded to a surface as moisture freezes and creates ice.

"In the extreme cold, the climber's wet gloves froze on to the metal railing."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To freeze and thereby become attached to something (fully transparent).

Actually means

When something gets stuck to something else because it is so cold that ice forms and bonds them together.

Usage tip

Variant spelling of 'freeze onto'. Used in literal physical contexts involving cold temperatures. Not widely used idiomatically.

Words that pair with "freeze on to"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

metal ice surface pipe road hands

How to conjugate "freeze on to"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
freeze on to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
freezes on to
he/she/it
Past simple
freezed on to
yesterday
Past participle
freezed on to
have + pp
-ing form
freezing on to
continuous

Hear "freeze on to" in the wild

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Other ways to say "freeze on to"

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