petrify

verb
UK: /ˈpetrɪfaɪ/
US: /ˈpetrɪfaɪ/

  1. To make someone so frightened that they are unable to move or think.

    1. The scary movie really did petrify her.
    2. The thought of public speaking can petrify even experienced professionals, leading to significant anxiety and avoidance.

  2. To change organic matter into stone or a stony substance.

    1. Water can petrify wood over time.
    2. Over millions of years, the minerals in the water slowly petrify the wood, replacing the organic material with stone.

Synonyms

stun frighten fossilize horrify terrify
petrify adjective

  1. Something that has been changed into stone.

    1. This is a petrify tree trunk in our garden.
    2. The museum showcased a remarkable collection of petrified fossils, each representing a unique glimpse into prehistoric ecosystems and the gradual process by which organic matter transforms into stone.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "petrify" in English means: To make someone so frightened that they are unable to move or think., To change organic matter into stone or a stony substance..

The phonetic transcription of "petrify" is /ˈpetrɪfaɪ/ in British English and /ˈpetrɪfaɪ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "petrify": stun, frighten, fossilize, horrify, terrify.

Example usage of "petrify": "The scary movie really did petrify her.". More examples on the page.