Dethaw vs. Thaw — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Rabia Sajjad & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 16, 2024
"Dethaw" is the incorrect spelling of "thaw." Thaw means to melt or cause to melt.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Dethaw or Thaw
How to spell Thaw?
Dethaw
Incorrect Spelling
Thaw
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
"Thaw" relates directly to "thawing," which signifies the action of something becoming liquid again.
Think of "thaw" as a shorter, more straightforward word, reflecting the simple process of ice melting.
"Thaw" comes from Old English "þawian," meaning to melt. The prefix "de-" is unnecessary and misleading.
How Do You Spell Thaw Correctly?
Incorrect: Let’s wait for the meat to dethaw before cooking it.
Correct: Let’s wait for the meat to thaw before cooking it.
Incorrect: It's too cold outside for the lake to dethaw completely.
Correct: It's too cold outside for the lake to thaw completely.
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Incorrect: Can you dethaw these vegetables for dinner?
Correct: Can you thaw these vegetables for dinner?
Incorrect: Don't leave the fish to dethaw at room temperature.
Correct: Don't leave the fish to thaw at room temperature.
Incorrect: The sun will help dethaw the icy sidewalk.
Correct: The sun will help thaw the icy sidewalk.
Thaw Definitions
A period of weather warm enough to melt ice and snow.
The sudden thaw caused the rivers to swell rapidly.
To melt or cause to melt ice or frost.
The ice on the lake began to thaw as temperatures rose above freezing.
To make something frozen usable by warming.
I’ll thaw the chicken for tonight’s dinner.
To change from a frozen solid to a liquid by gradual warming.
To lose stiffness, numbness, or impermeability by being warmed
Left the frozen turkey out until it thawed.
Thawed out by sitting next to the stove.
To become warm enough for snow and ice to melt.
To become less formal, aloof, or reserved.
To cause to thaw.
The process of thawing.
A period of warm weather during which ice and snow melt.
A relaxation of reserve, restraints, or tensions.
(intransitive) To gradually melt, dissolve, or become fluid; to soften from frozen
The ice thaws
(intransitive) To become so warm as to melt ice and snow — said in reference to the weather, and used impersonally.
It's beginning to thaw.
To grow gentle or genial.
Her anger has thawed.
(transitive) To gradually cause frozen things (such as earth, snow, ice) to melt, soften, or dissolve.
The melting of ice, snow, or other frozen or congealed matter; the transformation of ice or the like into the state of a fluid; liquefaction by heat of anything congealed by frost
A period of weather warm enough to melt that which is frozen
(figurative) a period of relaxation, of reduced reserve, tension, or hostility or of increased friendliness or understanding
To melt, dissolve, or become fluid; to soften; - said of that which is frozen; as, the ice thaws.
To become so warm as to melt ice and snow; - said in reference to the weather, and used impersonally.
To cause (frozen things, as earth, snow, ice) to melt, soften, or dissolve.
The melting of ice, snow, or other congealed matter; the resolution of ice, or the like, into the state of a fluid; liquefaction by heat of anything congealed by frost; also, a warmth of weather sufficient to melt that which is congealed.
The process whereby heat changes something from a solid to a liquid;
The power failure caused a refrigerator melt that was a disaster
The thawing of a frozen turkey takes several hours
Warm weather following a freeze; snow and ice melt;
They welcomed the spring thaw
A relaxation or slackening of tensions or reserve; becoming less hostile;
The thaw between the United States and Russia has led to increased cooperation in world affairs
Become or cause to become soft or liquid;
The sun melted the ice
The ice thawed
The ice cream melted
The heat melted the wax
The giant iceberg dissolved over the years during the global warming phase
Dethaw the meat
To become less reserved, especially in social situations.
After some initial awkwardness, the conversation began to thaw.
Thaw Meaning in a Sentence
A gentle thaw in relations was noticeable after their frank discussion.
You should thaw meat in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
With the thaw, the dormant plants began to show green shoots.
As spring approached, the thaw made the trails muddy.
He used a hairdryer to thaw the frozen lock.
Can you thaw out the bread for breakfast?
The forecast suggests a thaw, so the skiing conditions may worsen.
A weeklong thaw had cleared the streets of snow.
The thaw in their relationship was welcomed by everyone.
I always forget to thaw the turkey in time for Thanksgiving.
The early thaw meant we could start planting the garden sooner.
He waited for his cold fingers to thaw after playing in the snow.
The sun came out and began to thaw the ice on the windshield.
Sometimes, just a smile is enough to thaw a frosty greeting.
The plumber used a torch to thaw the pipes.
We saw a significant thaw in attitudes towards the new policy.
Let's hope for a thaw that gets rid of all this snow.
The city workers are prepared for the thaw that follows a heavy snowfall.
During the thaw, many birds return to the area.
He was relieved to see a thaw in the icy conditions on the road.
They used salt to help thaw the steps.
It’s going to thaw overnight, and the roads will be slippery.
When will this butter thaw so I can spread it?
The meat needs to thaw completely before we can cook it.
The thaw allowed us to resume our walk around the lake.
Thaw Idioms & Phrases
Spring thaw
The period during spring when ice and snow melt rapidly.
The spring thaw can cause flooding in certain areas.
Thaw out
To defrost or become friendly and communicative.
After a few minutes by the fire, he finally began to thaw out.
A thaw in relations
A warming of previously unfriendly or hostile relations between individuals or groups.
There was a noticeable thaw in relations after the two leaders met.
Winter thaw
A brief period during winter where temperatures rise above freezing, causing snow and ice to melt.
The winter thaw was a welcome break from the extreme cold.
Break the ice/thaw the ice
To do something that reduces tension or awkwardness in social situations.
He told a funny story to thaw the ice at the party.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called thaw?
It comes from the Old English word "þawian," which means to melt.
How many syllables are in thaw?
Thaw has one syllable.
What is a stressed syllable in thaw?
The stressed syllable in "thaw" is the only syllable, thaw.
What is the pronunciation of thaw?
Thaw is pronounced /θɔː/.
How do we divide thaw into syllables?
Thaw is divided as: thaw.
What is the verb form of thaw?
The verb form of thaw is "thaw."
What is the root word of thaw?
The root word of thaw is the Old English "þawian."
How is thaw used in a sentence?
Thaw is used as a verb to describe the melting of ice or as a noun to describe a period of melting.
What is the third form of thaw?
The third form is "thawed."
What is the plural form of thaw?
The plural form is "thaws."
What is the second form of thaw?
The second form is "thawed."
What is another term for thaw?
Another term for thaw is "melt."
Is thaw an adverb?
No, thaw is not an adverb.
Is the thaw term a metaphor?
It can be a metaphor when used to describe a relaxation in tensions.
Is the word thaw imperative?
Thaw can be used in the imperative form in commands.
What is the first form of thaw?
The first form is "thaw."
Is thaw a negative or positive word?
Thaw is neutral; it can be positive or negative depending on the context.
Which preposition is used with thaw?
Prepositions like "during" or "after" can be used with thaw.
What is the opposite of thaw?
The opposite of thaw is "freeze."
Is thaw a vowel or consonant?
The word thaw starts with a consonant.
Is thaw a countable noun?
As a noun, thaw is countable.
Is thaw a collective noun?
No, thaw is not a collective noun.
What part of speech is thaw?
Thaw is both a verb and a noun.
What is the singular form of thaw?
The singular form is "thaw."
Is thaw a noun or adjective?
Thaw is primarily a noun and a verb, not an adjective.
Is thaw an abstract noun?
No, thaw is a concrete noun when referring to the process or period of melting.
Is the word thaw a Gerund?
Yes, "thawing" is the gerund form of thaw.
Is the word “thaw” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Thaw can be a direct object as in "The sun will thaw the ice."
Which determiner is used with thaw?
Determiners like "the" or "a" can be used with thaw, e.g., "the thaw."
Which vowel is used before thaw?
Any vowel sound can precede thaw, depending on context.
Which conjunction is used with thaw?
Conjunctions like "and" or "but" can be used with thaw.
Which article is used with thaw?
The definite article "the" or indefinite "a" can be used with thaw.
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Written by
Rabia Sajjad
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
