■ verb ( petrifies , ~ing , petrified )
1》 [often as adjective petrified ] paralyse with fear.
2》 change (organic matter) into stone by encrusting or replacing its original substance with a mineral deposit.
3》 deprive or become deprived of vitality.
Derivatives
petrifaction noun
petrification noun
Origin
ME: from Fr. pétrifier , from med. L. petrificare , from L. petra 'rock', from Gk.