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verb

defrost

dee-FROST

Defrost (verb) means to remove ice or frost from something, such as a freezer or windshield. Example: “Remember to defrost the freezer before it gets too icy.”

verb
1
To remove ice or frost from something, such as a freezer or windshield.
"Remember to defrost the freezer before it gets too icy."
2
To thaw frozen food or another frozen substance.
"She defrosted the chicken overnight in the fridge."

How to use defrost

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo thaw something out or clear ice away.

UK vs US

In the UK, "defrost" is also common for thawing food; American English sometimes prefers "thaw" for food and reserves "defrost" for appliances.

Common pairings
defrost the freezer defrost meat defrost the windshield

Word forms

defrosted past tense, defrosts plural, defrosts singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Remember to _____ the freezer before it gets too icy.

Etymology

From de- + frost.

deice de-ice

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “defrost” mean?

The word “defrost” means to remove ice or frost from something, such as a freezer or windshield. In plain terms, to thaw something out or clear ice away.

How do you pronounce “defrost”?

“Defrost” is pronounced dee-FROST (/diːˈfɹɔst/ in IPA).

How do you use “defrost” in a sentence?

Here is “defrost” used in a sentence: “Remember to defrost the freezer before it gets too icy.”

What part of speech is “defrost”?

“Defrost” is a verb.

How many meanings does “defrost” have?

“Defrost” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to remove ice or frost from something, such as a freezer or windshield.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial