The term 'FREEZES UP' can be broken down into two crossword solutions: ICES (4 letters) and TENSES (6 letters). ICES is a noun that refers to frozen water, which is a solid state of water that occurs when temperatures drop below 0°C. TENSES is a verb that describes the act of becoming rigid or stiff due to cold temperatures. Together, these two words describe the process of freezing up, which is when something becomes solid due to extreme cold.