Thaw

Verb

Definition: To become liquid or soft as a result of warming; melt.

Definition: To become more relaxed or friendly after a period of tension or hostility.

Synonyms: Melt, Defrost, Warm up, Relax, Soften

Antonyms: Freeze, Chill, Cool, Tense up

Examples:

The snow began to thaw under the heat of the sun.
After months of disagreements, their relationship finally started to thaw.

Mnemonics:

Imagine a frozen lake slowly melting and becoming liquid again.
Think of an icy relationship gradually warming up and becoming friendly.

Etymology:

Origin:

Old English 'thawian', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'dooien' and German 'tauhen'.

Historical Usage:

The word has been used to describe the process of melting ice or becoming more friendly since its origin.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Thaw one's cold heart"

Explanation:

To soften or warm up emotionally, especially after being distant or unfriendly.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing 'thaw' with 'melt'.

Explanation:

While 'thaw' can mean the process of melting, it specifically refers to the melting of frozen substances or relationships. 'Melt' is a more general term for any substance becoming liquid due to heat.