v.
(petrifies, petrifying, petrified)
-
[often as adj. petrified]
paralyse with fear.
- change (organic matter) into stone by encrusting or replacing its original substance with a mineral deposit.
- deprive or become deprived of vitality.
Derivative
- petrifaction n.
- petrification n.
Etymology
ME: from Fr. pétrifier, from med. L. petrificare, from L. petra ‘rock’, from Gk.