verb
petrify
Petrify (verb) means to turn to stone: to harden organic matter by permeating with water and depositing dissolved minerals.
verb
1
To turn to stone: to harden organic matter by permeating with water and depositing dissolved minerals.
2
To produce rigidity akin to stone.
3
To immobilize with fright.
4
To become stone, or of a stony hardness, as organic matter by calcareous deposits.
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Etymology
From Middle French pétrifier, from Medieval Latin petrificāre, from Latin petra (“rock”), from Ancient Greek πέτρα (pétra, “rock”) + -ficāre, from facere (“do, make”), equivalent to petro- + -ify.
Rhymes for petrify
See all rhymes for petrify →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of petrify?
"petrify" (verb) means to turn to stone: to harden organic matter by permeating with water and depositing dissolved minerals.
What are the different meanings of petrify?
"petrify" has 3 main meanings: 1. To turn to stone: to harden organic matter by permeating with water and depositing dissolved minerals; 2. To produce rigidity akin to stone; 3. To immobilize with fright.