Petrified: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used when someone is so scared that they cannot move or speak. It describes an extreme level of fear, often resulting in a state of being paralyzed with terror.

• She was petrified when she saw the large spider on her bed.
• He stood there, petrified, unable to call for help.

This word describes a very intense and overwhelming fear. It indicates a higher level of fear than 'frightened' or 'scared.'

• She was terrified of flying, so she never traveled by plane.
• He felt terrified when he heard the news.

This is a more general term for being afraid or anxious about something. It can describe a wide range of fear from mild to severe.

• The loud noise frightened the baby.
• She felt frightened walking alone at night.

Similar to 'frightened,' this term is used for experiencing fear. It is common in casual or informal speech.

• I get scared during thunderstorms.
• He's scared of speaking in public.

Use when describing someone who is extremely scared or frightened, or when talking about organic material that has turned into stone through a natural process.

• She was petrified of speaking in public.
• The tree trunk was petrified over millions of years.

Use when describing bones, plants, or other organic material that has turned into a fossil over a very long period.

• The fossilized remains of the dinosaur were carefully excavated.
• Scientists studied the fossilized plants to understand ancient ecosystems.

Use when referring to something that has hardened by the deposition of calcium salts, often in a scientific or medical context.

• The arteries became calcified with age.
• The fossil showed clear signs of calcified tissue.