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.