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

But this other guy who was petrified of Thompson is the brother of a local politician. —Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 24 Aug. 2025

Inca terraces climb the mountainside like petrified waves—while the ceremonial fortress, etched with sun temples and water channels, casts shadows over cobbled alleys. —Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025

Want to drive your ATV or collect petrified wood? —Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 21 Aug. 2025

The sculpture features four copper panels with letters cut through them, along with elements such as petrified wood, water and stones. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 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