Freeze response - meaning and definition
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Definition
The freeze response is an automatic stress reaction in which a person becomes unable to move, speak or resist when they feel threatened.
At a glance
- An automatic reaction to threat in which a person cannot move, speak or resist.
- It sits alongside fight and flight as an instinctive survival response.
- It is not a choice.
- It is one reason why a lack of resistance is never consent.
- Survivors who froze should never be blamed for not fighting back.
In detail
Alongside fight and flight, freezing is one of the body's instinctive responses to danger. It is not a choice. During a frightening experience, including sexual assault, many people freeze or go along with events to get through them safely.
Understanding the freeze response matters because it explains why a lack of resistance is not consent, and why survivors should never be blamed for not fighting back or not shouting. Feelings of confusion or guilt afterwards are common and can be discussed with trauma-informed support services.
In a sentence
- Her counsellor explained that the freeze response is automatic, which helped her stop blaming herself.
- People ask why someone didn't shout, but the freeze response is a common reaction to fear.
Where the word comes from
The physiologist Walter Cannon described the "fight or flight" response in the early 20th century. Freezing was later added by researchers as a third common reaction, and "fight, flight or freeze" is now widely used.
Not to be confused with
- Fawn response
Fawning is a related stress response in which a person tries to appease a threat rather than becoming still.
Common questions
Why did I freeze instead of fighting back?
Freezing is an automatic survival response that the body triggers when it senses danger. It is not a choice and not a sign of weakness or agreement. Many survivors freeze, and it was not your fault.
Where can I talk about feelings of guilt or confusion after freezing?
Trauma-informed services such as a rape crisis centre, a sexual assault service or a counsellor can help, whenever it happened. If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.