rooted to the spot

Idioms

Not moving, especially owing to some strong emotion. For example, When the truck bore down on the dog, he was terrified and stood rooted to the spot. This idiom likens the roots of a plant to a strong feeling that keeps one from moving.

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.

See Examples For:

rooted to the spot

There was little between them in the second set, until Keys broke for 5-3 with a devastating forehand return that left Pliskova rooted to the spot.

From Barron's ● Jan. 24, 2026

Captain Gallagher's strike was equally as impressive as he volleyed emphatically across the target to leave Alphonse Areola rooted to the spot.

From BBC ● May 5, 2024

I don’t know how long I stood there, rooted to the spot, reading and turning pages.

From New York Times ● Jun. 14, 2023

With two Burnley players attacking the ball, Steffen was distracted and remained rooted to the spot as the ball bounced into his net off the far post.

From BBC ● Dec. 17, 2022

An electric current seemed to course through Harry, jangling his every nerve as he stood rooted to the spot.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023