How Do You Spell PETRIFIC?

Pronunciation: [pɛtɹˈɪfɪk] (IPA)

The word "Petrific" is spelled with the phonetic combination of "petr-" and "-ific". The first syllable "petr-" is pronounced as /ˈpetr/, which represents a hard "P" sound followed by the "EH" vowel sound. The second syllable "-ific" is pronounced as /-ɪfɪk/, which represents the "ih" vowel sound followed by the "f" sound and the "ihk" consonant blend. The combination of these sounds represents the meaning of the word, which is to turn something into stone or to stun someone into immobility.

PETRIFIC Meaning and Definition

1. The term "petrific" is an adjective that refers to the action or process of turning something into stone or causing it to become similar in appearance, texture, or rigidity to stone. Derived from the word "petrify," it denotes the act of transforming organic matter, typically plants or animals, into a fossilized form.

   In a broader sense, petrific can also describe the state of being paralyzed with fear or astonishment, implying an emotional or psychological rigidity that renders someone immobile or speechless. This definition connects the concept with the idea of being "petrified," which can occur in response to extreme shock, terror, or surprise.

   The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or experience that is so overwhelmingly shocking or astonishing that it leaves one feeling frozen or immobilized, as if turned to stone. This sense of petrific highlights the psychological and emotional impact of an event or circumstance that renders one unable to function or respond.

   Moreover, the word can also be applied in a figurative context, indicating the quality of an object or action that seems to inhibit or prevent progress or change. In this sense, it suggests something that is rigid, unyielding, or resistant to alteration.

   Overall, "petrific" encompasses both literal and metaphorical meanings, encapsulating concepts related to fossilization, paralysis, astonishment, and immobility while allowing for multiple interpretations based on context.

2. Having power to change into stone.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PETRIFIC

• petrifier
• oetrific
• letrific
• -etrific
• 0etrific
• pwtrific
• pstrific
• pdtrific
• prtrific
• p4trific
• p3trific
• pefrific
• pegrific
• peyrific
• pe6rific
• pe5rific
• peteific
• petdific
• petfific
• pettific

Etymology of PETRIFIC

The word petrific is derived from the Latin term petra, meaning rock, and the suffix -fic, which comes from the Latin suffix -ficare. The suffix -ficare is used to form verbs that mean to make or to cause. Therefore, petrific can be understood as the combination of petra and -ficare, meaning to make or cause to become rock-like.