Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
petrify
verb
/ˈpɛtrɪfaɪ/
Definition
To convert organic matter into stone or a stony substance through a natural process.
Examples
- The sudden loud noise petrified the children.
- The fossilization process can petrify wood over millions of years.
Meaning
Petrify can also mean to be so frightened that one is unable to move or think.
Synonyms
- turn to stone
- stone
- frighten
- terrify
