petrified

adjective

pet·​ri·​fied ˈpe-trə-ˌfīd 

1

: converted into stone through a slow process of mineralization

petrified wood

a petrified forest

And at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History's annual dinosaur ball, about 800 patrons in black tie or gown waltz among the petrified remains of the once-glorious creatures.

—Sheldon Teitelbaum

2

: overwhelmingly fearful

was petrified of speaking in public

: rendered motionless or unable to act by fear

Charlie climbed onto the bed and tried to calm the three old people who were still petrified with fear. "Please don't be frightened," he said. "It's quite safe. And we're going to the most wonderful place in the world!"

—Roald Dahl

Winky's petrified brown eyes were visible through her fingers. She seemed too appalled to speak.

—J. K. Rowling

Examples of petrified in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With Chloe’s full knowledge and help, even? A DECENT PROPOSAL | Belinda is still petrified of Greg (for very good reason!), but her son Zion talks her into going to the party anyway. —Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 30 Mar. 2025

The petrified bones of extinct horses, ground sloths, cheetahs and bears have been uncovered from the dusty layers of time exposed here. —Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025

After going viral for being petrified of her owner's new kitten, an 85-pound German shepherd from North Carolina has once again grabbed social media attention with the cutest update on how their relationship is developing. —Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025

Every detail, down to the steak knives hand-forged by local blacksmith Neil Kamimura using petrified wood and semi-precious stones, reinforces a sense of place. —Chelsea Davis, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of petrify

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for petrified

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide
• certified