unterkühlen
Translation
to supercool, to become hypothermic, to chill excessively
Examples
Der Wanderer war stark unterkühlt.
The hiker was severely hypothermic.
Man kann Wasser unter den Gefrierpunkt unterkühlen.
You can supercool water below freezing point.
Grammar Patterns
((j-n / sich)) unterkühlen to make (sb.) hypothermic / to become hypothermic He became hypothermic in the cold water.
((et4)) unterkühlen to supercool (sth.) In the lab, they supercool the liquid.
Similar Words
Synonyms: auskühlen (to cool down completely), erkalten (to grow cold); Antonyms: erwärmen (to warm up), aufheizen (to heat up)
Etymology
Composed of 'unter' (under, below) and 'kühlen' (to cool). It literally means 'to cool below' a specific point. This is an inseparable verb.
Memory Tips
Imagine your body temperature dropping 'under' the normal level. The adjective 'unterkühlt' can also be used figuratively to mean 'frosty' or 'cold' in personality.