fossilize

intransitive-verb
UK: /ˈfɒs.ɪ.laɪz/
US: /ˈfɑː.səl.aɪz/

  1. To become a fossil, or to change something into a fossil.

    1. Bones can fossilize over millions of years in the earth.
    2. The scientists were studying how plants fossilize in different conditions.

  2. To become fixed and unable to change or develop.

    1. Old habits fossilize if you don't actively break them.
    2. Their opinions began to fossilize after years in the same job.

Synonyms

petrify harden set solidify ossify stagnate
fossilize transitive-verb

  1. To turn a plant or animal into a fossil.

    1. Minerals fossilize the bones, preserving their shape.
    2. Sediment gradually fossilizes organic material over time.

  2. To cause something to become fixed and unable to change.

    1. The company's rigid rules can fossilize creativity and innovation.
    2. Lack of funding can fossilize research efforts, preventing new progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "fossilize" in English means: To become a fossil, or to change something into a fossil., To become fixed and unable to change or develop..

The phonetic transcription of "fossilize" is /ˈfɒs.ɪ.laɪz/ in British English and /ˈfɑː.səl.aɪz/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "fossilize": petrify, harden, set, solidify, ossify, stagnate.

Example usage of "fossilize": "Bones can fossilize over millions of years in the earth.". More examples on the page.