Finesentence logo

Petrify: meaning, definitions and examples

🗿
Add to dictionary

petrify

 

[ ˈpɛtrɪˌfaɪ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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 | Verb

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

🇮🇳 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

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,676, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.