petrify
petrify definition
pet·rify (pe′trə fī′)
transitive verb petrified -·fied′, petrifying -·fy′·ing
- to replace the normal cells of (organic matter) with silica or other mineral deposits; re-form as a stony substance
- to make rigid, inflexible, or inert; harden or deaden
- to paralyze or make numb, as with fear; stupefy; stun
Etymology: Fr pétrifier < L petra, stone, rock (< Gr) + -ficare, -fy
intransitive verb
to become petrified
Related Forms:
- petrified pet′·rified adjective
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