A freeze is a lane management technique in which a player keeps the minion wave held in a fixed position, typically just outside their turret range. By maintaining this balance, the wave does not naturally push in either direction, creating a safe zone where the player can farm without exposing themselves to danger. At the same time, the enemy must walk farther forward to last hit, putting them at risk of punishment or missed CS.
Freezing is a staple strategy in higher levels of play because it lets the player deny the opponent valuable gold and experience. When combined with strong Lane harass, it can effectively shut down enemy attempts to farm safely. Maintaining a freeze also allows the laner to set up ideal situations for an allied Gank by baiting the enemy into an overextended position. As a form of indirect Denial, freezing gives the player better control over lane pacing and can secure long term advantages without taking unnecessary risks.