petrify

[ pe-truh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, pet·ri·fied, pet·ri·fy·ing.

1. to convert into stone or a stony substance.
2. to benumb or paralyze with astonishment, horror, or other strong emotion:

   I was petrified with fear.

   Synonyms: daze, dumbfound, immobilize

3. to make rigid or inert; harden; deaden:

   The tragedy in his life petrified his emotions.

verb (used without object)

, pet·ri·fied, pet·ri·fy·ing.

1. to become petrified.

petrify

/ ˈpɛtrɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. tr; often passive to convert (organic material, esp plant material) into a fossilized form by impregnation with dissolved minerals so that the original appearance is preserved
2. to make or become dull, unresponsive, insensitive, etc; deaden
3. tr; often passive to stun or daze with horror, fear, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈpetriˌfier, noun

Other Words From

• pet·ri·fi·a·ble adjective
• pe·trif·i·cant [pi-, trif, -i-k, uh, nt], adjective
• pet·ri·fi·er noun
• un·pet·ri·fy·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrify¹

From the Middle French word petrifier, dating back to 1585–95. See petri-, -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of petrify¹

C16: from French pétrifier, ultimately from Greek petra stone, rock

Example Sentences

But the department’s letter was sent days ago without public comment, and its reported warning that the lottery may be illegal isn’t likely to petrify scofflaws such as Musk and Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

Imperfect though “Romulus” may be, it’s also a solid entry in a slate of films whose original maker has taken the extended story seriously enough to petrify it.

From Salon

“But you’ve just got to stay ready whenever your opportunities come. They just come and go, so you’ve just got to stay ready for it you. Can’t really petrify yourself for the time being.”

From Seattle Times

Meanwhile, the possibility of going to jail seems likely to petrify Hunter Biden.

From Slate

This should petrify his colleagues — and the rest of the country, too.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• astonish
• astound
• daze
• dumbfound
• horrify
• startle
• stupefy
• terrify
• transfix