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Meaning of petrified
The primary meaning of the word "petrified" is being extremely frightened or scared.
Etymology of petrified
The word "petrified" originates from the Latin words "petra," meaning "rock" or "stone," and the suffix "-fy," which means "to make" or "to become"
Historically, the word has been used since the 15th century to describe both the literal process of turning into stone and the figurative state of being extremely frightened
Synonyms
frightened
terrified
scared
alarmed
horrified
shocked
dismayed
appalled
dismayed
disconcerted
unnerved
intimidated
fearful
anxious
apprehensive
worried
nervous
jittery
on edge
spine-chilled
frozen
paralyzed
stiffened
rigid
immobile
stunned
dazed
bewildered
perplexed
flabbergasted
aghast
astounded
petrified
paralyzed
horror-struck
terror-stricken
awestruck
daunted
cowed
abashed
disheartened
demoralized
discouraged
Definitions
- The word "petrified" has multiple definitions, including:
- + (of a person) extremely frightened or scared
- + (of wood, organic matter, etc.) converted into a stony substance by the percolation of mineral-rich water
- + (of an animal or plant) turned to stone as a fossil
Usage Examples
- The hikers were petrified when they encountered a bear in the woods
- * The wooden statue had been petrified over time, turning into a stone-like substance
- * The kids were petrified of the haunted house and refused to go inside