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to petrify
01
to make someone so frightened that they cannot move or speak
Transitive: to petrify sb
Example
The sudden appearance of the ghostly figure in the dark forest petrified the hikers.
The loud roar of the approaching bear petrified the campers, freezing them in place.
02
to change organic material into stone or a stone-like substance
Transitive: to petrify organic material
Example
Over millennia, the tree trunk was petrified, preserving its details in rock form.
Tourists flocked to see the petrified remains of ancient plants in the national park.
03
to make something immobile, inactive, or unable to function
Transitive: to petrify sth
Example
Tradition can sometimes petrify a society, preventing it from embracing new ideas.
Fear of change petrified the company's approach, making it resistant to innovation.
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