freeze out

freeze someone out 

1. Lit. to make it too cold for someone, usually by opening windows or through the use of air-conditioning. Turn up the heat unless you're trying to freeze us out. Are you trying to freeze out everybody? Close the door.

2. Fig. to lock someone out socially; to isolate someone from something or a group. We didn't want to freeze you out. You failed to pay your dues, however. They froze out the newcomers.

See also: freeze, out

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freeze out somebody/something also freeze somebody/something out

to prevent someone or something from being involved in an activity The company tried to freeze out its competition by buying up all the gas stations in the area.

Usage notes: usually said about an unfair way of preventing involvement

See also: freeze, out