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

They are naturally petrifying 50,000 to 100,000 tons of CO2 per year, Kelemen believes.

From Science News For Students

The Cincinnati Bengals should petrify the top-seeded Tennessee Titans.

From Washington Post

The fact that Feynman came forward to confront me after the talk was something that probably would have petrified many scientists.

From Nautilus

I didn't possess the capacity to petrify, which is absolutely indispensable in an academic man.

From Project Gutenberg

She had seemed to grow rooted to the ground, unable to get away; her heart, her breathing, seemed to petrify too; they hurt her.

From Project Gutenberg

E that would shine, and petrify his tutor,Should drink draught Allsopp in its "native pewter."

From Project Gutenberg

Their concepts petrify from lack of use and the constant reconstruction which growth necessitates.

From Project Gutenberg

Among ourselves worship would petrify and faith wither were it not for the tasks the church has undertaken at home and abroad.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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