petrify

[pe-truh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

petrified, petrifying 

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)

petrified, petrifying 

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

Other Word Forms

• petrifiable adjective
• petrificant adjective
• petrifier noun
• unpetrifying 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

She was also "petrified" after being asked to testify at Rose West's trial but she still did not share what had happened to her in the house.

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Sophie says she is "absolutely petrified" of what the future holds.

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In a twitch, a head tilt or a whine, Indy communicates his emotions: curious, lonely, contented, confused, fretful, desperate or petrified.

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"And now that I'm here, I'm absolutely petrified," she laughed.

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"I was petrified with all the noise that was going on."

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Related Words

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