Petrify: meaning, definitions and examples

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petrify

[ ˈpɛtrɪˌfaɪ ]

^{Context #1}

turn into stone

To petrify means to turn something into stone or to make someone feel extremely frightened or shocked.

Synonyms

fossilize, solidify, terrify

Examples of usage

The ancient spell could petrify anyone who entered the forbidden cave.
The terrifying scream petrified the young child.

^{Context #2}

shock or frighten someone greatly

To petrify can also mean to shock or frighten someone greatly, to cause extreme fear or astonishment.

Synonyms

alarm, horrify, terrify

Examples of usage

The unexpected news about the accident petrified her.
His sudden appearance petrified the audience.

Translations

Translations of the word "petrify" in other languages:

🇵🇹 petrificar

transformar em pedra
paralisar de medo

🇮🇳 पत्थर बनाना

🇩🇪 versteinern

🇮🇩 membatu

🇺🇦 скам'яніти

🇵🇱 skamienieć

🇯🇵 石化させる (sekikasa seru)

🇫🇷 pétrifier

🇪🇸 petrificar

🇹🇷 taşlaştırmak

🇰🇷 화석화하다

🇸🇦 تحجر

🇨🇿 zkamenět

🇸🇰 skamenieť

🇨🇳 石化 (shíhuà)

🇸🇮 okameneti

🇮🇸 steingervast

🇰🇿 тасқа айналу

🇬🇪 გაქვავება

🇦🇿 daşlaşmaq

🇲🇽 petrificar

Word origin

The word 'petrify' comes from the Latin word 'petrificare', which is derived from 'petra' meaning 'rock' and 'facere' meaning 'to make'. The term was first used in the early 16th century with the literal meaning of turning something into stone. Over time, it also acquired the metaphorical meaning of causing extreme fear or shock.