Petrify
Verb
Definition: To turn into stone or rock; to make hard, rigid, or lifeless.
Definition: To paralyze with fear or shock; to make someone extremely frightened or terrified.
Synonyms: Solidify, Harden, Freeze, Stiffen, Terrify, Stun
Antonyms: Soften, Melt, Thaw, Comfort, Soothe
- The lava from the volcano petrified the surrounding landscape.
- The horror movie petrified me, and I couldn't sleep for days.
- Imagine Medusa turning people into stone with her gaze, causing them to petrify.
- Picture an individual being so terrified that they become as rigid as a petrified tree.
Etymology:
The word "petrify" comes from the Latin word "petrificare," which is derived from "petra" meaning "rock" and "facere" meaning "to make."
Historical Usage:The term has been used since the late 14th century in English, primarily referring to the literal transformation into stone. Over time, its usage extended to metaphorical senses related to fear and shock.
Related Idioms:
"Petrified forest"
Explanation:Refers to a fossilized forest formed when trees have turned into stone over millions of years. It emphasizes the long-lasting and enduring nature of the transformation.
Misconceptions:
Believing that "petrify" only refers to the literal transformation of objects into stone.
Explanation:While the primary definition of "petrify" involves turning into stone, it also encompasses the metaphorical sense of paralyzing with fear or shock.