Petrify Definition & Meaning
petrify
- verb
- cause to become stonelike or stiff or dazed and stunned; "The horror petrified his feelings"; "Fear petrified her thinking"
- change into stone; "the wood petrified with time"
- make rigid and set into a conventional pattern; "rigidify the training schedule"; "ossified teaching methods"; "slogans petrify our thinking"
Words that rhyme with petrify
Usage tips for "petrify"
Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "petrify" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for petrify to find words that pair well.