gorgonize

[ gawr-guh-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, gor·gon·ized, gor·gon·iz·ing.

1. to affect as a Gorgon; hypnotize; petrify:

   She felt trapped and totally helpless in his gorgonizing stare.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gorgonize¹

First recorded in 1600–10; Gorgon + -ize

Example Sentences

Such spectacles of human perfidy are the real Medusas that Gorgonize trusting, tender, throbbing hearts, and in view of this one I laughed aloud,—laughed so unnaturally that it was no marvel I was called a maniac.

From Project Gutenberg