Pronunciation: [fɹˈiːzɪŋ ˈa͡ʊt] (IPA) 
The phrase "freezing out" is spelled with the /f/ sound followed by the /r/ sound, represented in phonetic transcription as [friːzɪŋ aʊt]. The letter combination "ee" represents the long "e" sound in the word "freezing," while "ou" represents the diphthong /aʊ/ in the word "out." This phrase is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is being ignored or excluded, often due to a disagreement or conflict.
Freezing out is a colloquial expression that refers to the intentional act of isolating or excluding someone from a social or professional group, often as a means of punishing or ignoring them. This behavior can be exhibited by individuals or a group of people, and is typically motivated by a desire to convey disapproval, assert power or control, or create a hostile or unwelcome atmosphere for the targeted person.
In social dynamics, freezing out involves intentionally neglecting or avoiding interactions with a person, resulting in their exclusion from social gatherings, conversations, or collaborations. This behavior often aims to undermine the person's social status, credibility, or influence within a particular community or circle.
In the professional context, freezing out can manifest as deliberately withholding vital information, important opportunities, or necessary resources from an individual, thereby hindering their progress or success within the workplace or industry. This tactic is often used by individuals or groups to suppress competition or assert dominance.
Freezing out can have detrimental effects on the targeted person's emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, and professional growth. It is considered an aggressive and manipulative behavior that can damage relationships, create conflict, and result in long-lasting consequences.
Overall, freezing out is a socially excluding behavior with the intention of isolating, ostracizing, or undermining an individual, whether in social or professional settings.
The term "freezing out" is a colloquial expression that dates back to the 19th century. Its etymology can be understood by breaking down its components: "freezing" and "out".
The word "freezing" comes from the Old English word "freosan", which means "to become or make cold". It evolved to the Middle English word "frozen", which retained the same meaning. Over time, "freezing" has come to refer to the process of turning a liquid into a solid by lowering its temperature below the freezing point.
The term "out" in this context means to exclude or to be excluded from a group or activity. It comes from the Old English word "ūt", which has a similar meaning.
