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- Dictionarypetrify/ˈpɛtrɪfʌɪ/
verb
- 1. change (organic matter) into a stony substance by encrusting or replacing it with a calcareous, siliceous, or other mineral deposit.
- 2. make (someone) so frightened that they are unable to move: "his icy controlled quietness petrified her"
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PETRIFY definition: 1. to frighten someone a lot, especially so that they are unable to move or speak: 2. If dead…. Learn more.
The meaning of PETRIFY is to convert (organic matter) into stone or a substance of stony hardness by the infiltration of water and the deposition of dissolved mineral matter. How to use petrify in a sentence.
Definition of petrify verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Petrify is to make something like a stone or to literally turn to stone. At the heart of the word petrify is the Latin word petra which means "stone." In the scientific sense, wood petrifies in an environment without oxygen, say when it is buried by lava, and minerals such as silica enter the wood and fill the cells, making it hard as stone.
1. To convert (wood or other organic matter) into a stony replica by petrifaction. 2. To cause to lose vitality or become impervious to change; deaden: a routine that petrified her thinking. 3. To stun or paralyze with terror; daze.
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. Collins English Dictionary.
to convert into stone or a stony substance. to benumb or paralyze with astonishment, horror, or other strong emotion: I was petrified with fear. Synonyms: daze, dumbfound, immobilize. to make rigid or inert; harden; deaden: The tragedy in his life petrified his emotions. verb (used without object)
Dictionary definition of petrify. To turn something into stone or causing it to become like stone in terms of hardness or rigidity. "The swamp is known to petrify any wood that sinks into its depths." Detailed meaning of petrify.
PETRIFY meaning: 1 : to make (someone) very afraid; 2 : to slowly change (something, such as wood) into stone or a substance like stone over a very long period of time.
to make or become dull, unresponsive, insensitive, etc; deaden. (tr; often passive) to stun or daze with horror, fear, etc.
