PETRIFY Meaning and
Definition
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Petrify, in verb form, is defined as the process or action of turning something or someone into stone or having the appearance of being turned into stone. This word often refers to the literal transformation of organic material into a fossil, where over time the tissue is replaced by minerals, resulting in a hard, stone-like substance.
In a figurative or metaphorical sense, petrify means to cause great fear, astonishment, or immobilization, rendering someone or something unable to move or function in a state of shock. It implies extreme surprise or terror, as if one were fixed or frozen in place. This usage typically describes an overwhelming reaction to a horrifying, astonishing, or nerve-wracking event or situation.
Additionally, petrify can also mean to undergo a transformation that makes one stiff, rigid, or inflexible in demeanor or attitude. In this sense, it suggests a loss of spontaneity, adaptability, or capacity for change, and implies becoming hardened or unyielding in one's behavior or opinions.
The term petrify is derived from the Latin word "petra," meaning "rock" or "stone." It traces back to the Greek word "petraō," which means "to harden or turn into stone." This etymology underlies the dual connotations of the word, encompassing both the literal and metaphorical aspects of the transformation implied by petrify.
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To convert animal or vegetable substances into stony matter; to fix in dumb amazement; to become stone.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PETRIFY
Etymology of PETRIFY
The word petrify originated from the Latin word petra meaning rock or stone. It came into English through the Old French word petrifier, which means to harden like stone. The suffix -ify is a suffix used to form verbs, indicating to cause to become. Therefore, petrify literally means to turn into stone or to cause to become like stone.
Similar spelling words for PETRIFY
Conjugate verb Petrify
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have petrified
you
would have petrified
he/she/it
would have petrified
we
would have petrified
they
would have petrified
I
would have petrify
you
would have petrify
he/she/it
would have petrify
we
would have petrify
they
would have petrify
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been petrifying
you
would have been petrifying
he/she/it
would have been petrifying
we
would have been petrifying
they
would have been petrifying
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would petrify
you
would petrify
he/she/it
would petrify
we
would petrify
they
would petrify
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be petrifying
you
would be petrifying
he/she/it
would be petrifying
we
would be petrifying
they
would be petrifying
FUTURE
I
will petrify
you
will petrify
he/she/it
will petrify
we
will petrify
they
will petrify
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be petrifying
you
will be petrifying
he/she/it
will be petrifying
we
will be petrifying
they
will be petrifying
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have petrified
you
will have petrified
he/she/it
will have petrified
we
will have petrified
they
will have petrified
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been petrifying
you
will have been petrifying
he/she/it
will have been petrifying
we
will have been petrifying
they
will have been petrifying
IMPERATIVE
you
petrify
we
let´s petrify
to petrify
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was petrifying
you
were petrifying
he/she/it
was petrifying
we
were petrifying
they
were petrifying
PAST PARTICIPLE
petrified
PAST PERFECT
I
had petrified
you
had petrified
he/she/it
had petrified
we
had petrified
they
had petrified
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been petrifying
you
had been petrifying
he/she/it
had been petrifying
we
had been petrifying
they
had been petrifying
PRESENT
I
petrify
you
petrify
he/she/it
petrifies
we
petrify
they
petrify
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am petrifying
you
are petrifying
he/she/it
is petrifying
we
are petrifying
they
are petrifying
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
petrifying
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have petrified
you
have petrified
he/she/it
has petrified
we
have petrified
they
have petrified
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been petrifying
you
have been petrifying
he/she/it
has been petrifying
we
have been petrifying
they
have been petrifying
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
petrify
SIMPLE PAST
I
petrified
you
petrified
he/she/it
petrified
we
petrified
they
petrified
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