A Quick and Simple Dictionary

thaw

1. Verb.  (intransitive) To melt, dissolve, or become fluid; to soften; — said of that which is frozen; as, the ice thaws. Specifically by gradual warming.
2. Verb.  (intransitive) To become so warm as to melt ice and snow; — said in reference to the weather, and used impersonally.
3. Verb.  (intransitive, figuratively) To grow gentle or genial.
4. Verb.  (transitive) To cause frozen things (such as earth, snow, ice) to melt, soften, or dissolve. Specifically by gradual warming.
5. Noun.  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.
6. Noun.  a warmth of weather sufficient to melt that which is congealed. —w:Dryden.