Defreeze vs. Defrost — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023
Defreeze and Defrost both imply the process of thawing, but "Defrost" is commonly used in relation to food and appliances, while "Defreeze" is less standard in American English.
Difference Between Defreeze and Defrost
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Key Differences
Both Defreeze and Defrost connote a transition from a frozen to a non-frozen state. However, while both terms essentially point to the same process, their usage contexts and frequency differ. Defrost is the term you'll frequently encounter, especially when discussing appliances or food preparation.
Most modern refrigerators have a "Defrost" setting, which is designed to prevent ice build-up. On the other hand, the term Defreeze is not commonly employed in such contexts. Instead, Defrost is both technically and popularly utilized.
In culinary scenarios, you might often hear someone say they need to "Defrost the chicken" for dinner. Rarely would one say they need to "Defreeze the chicken." Here again, Defrost is the preferred term, suggesting a specific action related to food preparation.
Some might argue that "Defreeze" seems redundant, as the prefix "de-" implies removal, making "freeze" and "defreeze" somewhat opposites. However, in everyday language, especially in American English, Defrost dominates, particularly in contexts related to removing ice or frost.
Linguistically, both terms have their roots in the concept of thawing or the act of turning something from solid ice to liquid. However, the predominance of Defrost in daily parlance has made Defreeze somewhat obsolete, at least in the realms of kitchen appliances and culinary arts.
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Comparison Chart
Common Usage
Less standard
Commonly used for food and appliances
Linguistic Redundancy
Seems redundant
Directly implies thawing
Appliance Reference
Rarely used
Commonly referenced, e.g., "Defrost setting"
Culinary Context
Rarely used
Standard term, e.g., "Defrost the meat"
General American English
Less frequent
Predominantly used term
Compare with Definitions
Defreeze
To cause something to lose its frozen state.
I'll Defreeze the fish for tomorrow's dinner.
Defrost
The act of thawing or warming to remove ice.
Always Defrost the windshield before driving in winter.
Defreeze
To thaw or unfreeze.
Make sure to Defreeze the pipes before they burst.
Defrost
To turn on a setting in appliances to prevent ice build-up.
Use the Defrost setting on the microwave for this dish.
Defreeze
Less common term for the act of thawing.
Can you Defreeze the berries for the smoothie?
Defrost
A standard term in culinary contexts to denote thawing.
Defrost the pie crust before baking.
Defreeze
To remove the solidified state of a substance.
Defreeze the coolant before checking the levels.
Defrost
To bring something from a frozen state to its normal state.
Make sure to Defrost the shrimp entirely before cooking.
Defreeze
To transition from frozen to liquid or soft state.
Allow the sauce to Defreeze before using it.
Defrost
To remove ice or frost from
Defrosted the windshield.
Defreeze
To defrost, to unfreeze.
Defrost
To cause to thaw.
Defrost
To become free of ice or frost
A freezer that defrosts automatically.
Defrost
To become thawed.
Defrost
(transitive) To remove frost from.
I have just defrosted the fridge.
Defrost
(transitive) To thaw something.
Will you defrost the chops for supper tonight?
Defrost
To recover from something tiresome.
See you tomorrow evening; I'll have defrosted from my trip by then.
Defrost
The removal of frost.
Defrost
To remove the frost or ice from; as, to defrost the car window; to defrost a refrigerator.
Defrost
To become free of frost or ice; as, it took four hours for the refrigerator to defrost.
Defrost
To thaw; - used especially of items removed from a freezer, such as frozen foods.
Defrost
Make or become free of frost or ice;
Defrost the car window
Defrost
To remove frost or ice from something, especially food.
It's essential to Defrost the chicken thoroughly.
Common Curiosities
Which term is more commonly used: Defreeze or Defrost?
Defrost is more commonly used, especially in relation to food and appliances.
Is there a "Defreeze" setting on refrigerators?
Typically, refrigerators use the term "Defrost" for such settings.
Can Defreeze and Defrost be used interchangeably?
Generally, yes. But Defrost is more recognized, especially in American English.
How long does it take to Defreeze a turkey?
The term is "Defrost," and the time varies based on weight and method.
Can I use Defrost for non-food items?
Yes, Defrost can be used for any item that needs thawing, like car windows.
Is Defreeze incorrect to use?
While less standard, Defreeze isn't incorrect but might sound unfamiliar to some.
Is Defrosting meat essential for cooking?
Yes, Defrosting meat ensures even cooking and safety.
Is there a difference in meaning between Defreeze and Defrost?
Both imply thawing, but Defrost is more standard, especially in specific contexts.
Why is Defrost more popular in culinary contexts?
Defrost has become the standard term in culinary contexts due to its widespread use.
Does my freezer Defrost automatically?
Many modern freezers have an auto-defrost feature, but you should check your model.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
