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

• petrifier noun
• petrifiable adjective
• petrificant adjective
• 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

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on BBC

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

Read more on BBC

The self-infantilizing is disconcerting to watch, and no doubt petrifying to experience firsthand, but Gaga dodges the fan and gets into her waiting vehicle.

Read more on Salon

There are stabbing actions and fight-for-your-life moves as Decker throws out petrifying puns, making the class chuckle between huffs and puffs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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