petrify
verb (used with object)
to convert into stone or a stony substance.
had petrified
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past perfectof petrify.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He felt the sort of icicle that had petrified his breast melt, and his heart beat like that of his fellowmen.
From The Companions of Jehu by Alexandre Dumas père
Trench warfare had petrified movement, except in laborious shifting of a few hundred yards at a time, hardly perceptible on a small-scale map.
From World's War Events Volume 3 Beginning with the departure of the first American destroyers for service abroad in April, 1917, and closing with the treaties of peace in 1919. by Allen L. (Allen Leon) Churchill
There was a very stoniness about her grief as if the blow had petrified her.
From 'Tween Snow and Fire A Tale of the Last Kafir War by Bertram Mitford
For several minutes Captain Plum stood as if the sudden apparition had petrified him.
From The Courage of Captain Plum by James Oliver Curwood
I thought I had petrified, had ceased to feel aught but loathing and hate, but ah! the agony of that intolerable, that maddening sight!
From Infelice by Augusta J. (Augusta Jane) Evans
