Definition

Having been damaged or injured by extreme cold, especially to the skin or body parts.

Example

After spending too long in the snow without proper clothing, his fingers became frostbitten.

Conversation

Did you see that guy at the park with his hands all frostbitten?

Yeah, it was so cold yesterday; he should have worn gloves.

I can't believe he stayed out there for so long.

I know, it's crazy how some people underestimate the cold!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Frostbitten → It is formed from "frost" (from Old English *forst*, meaning frozen dew or ice) and "bitten" (the past participle of "bite", from Old English *bītan*, meaning to pierce or cut). The word "frostbitten" describes the condition of being pierced or damaged by frost or extreme cold.

Memory Tip

Think of 'frost' as the cold that can 'pierce' or 'bite' into skin, leading to the condition of being frostbitten.

Visually Confused Words