gorgonize

especially British, gor·gon·ise

[gawr-guh-nahyz]

verb (used with object)

gorgonized, gorgonizing 

1. to affect as a Gorgon; hypnotize; petrify.

   She felt trapped and totally helpless in his gorgonizing stare.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gorgonize¹

First recorded in 1600–10; Gorgon + -ize

Example Sentences

Such spectacles of human perfidy are the real Medusas that Gorgonize trusting, tender, throbbing hearts, and in view of this one I laughed aloud,—laughed so unnaturally that it was no marvel I was called a maniac.

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