thaw

To gradually cause (something frozen, such as earth, ice, or snow) to melt or soften by raising the temperature.

Of something frozen, such as earth, ice, or snow: to gradually melt or soften as a result of the temperature being raised.

With the dummy pronoun it: of the weather: to become sufficiently warm for ice, snow, etc., to melt.

(figurative) To cause (someone or their feelings that are reserved or unfriendly) to become friendly or gentle.

(figurative) Of a person or their feelings that are reserved or unfriendly: to become friendly or gentle.

To gradually cause (someone or something that is very cold) to warm up.

Of someone or something that is very cold: to gradually warm up.

(figurative) To cause (something inactive) to become active; also, to cause (something unfeeling) to have feelings.

(figurative) Of something inactive: to become active; also, of something unfeeling: to develop feelings.

(figurative, no longer used) To cause (something rigid) to become limp.

A gradual melting or softening of something frozen (such as earth, ice, or snow) when the temperature rises; the transformation of something frozen into a fluid or semifluid.

A gradual warming up of someone or something that is very cold.

A period of weather warm enough to melt ice, snow, etc.

(figurative) Of something inactive: an act of becoming active; also, of something unfeeling: an act of developing feelings.

(figurative) Of a person who is reserved or unfriendly: an act of becoming friendly or gentle.

(figurative) A period of relaxation of restrictions in a country or state; also, a period of increased friendliness or understanding, or of reduced hostility or tension in relations, between states.