to convert (organic material, esp plant material) into a fossilized form by impregnation with dissolved minerals so that the original appearance is preserved
2.
to make or become dull, unresponsive, insensitive, etc; deaden
3. (tr; often passive)
to stun or daze with horror, fear, etc
Derived forms
petrifier (ˈpetriˌfier)
noun
Word origin
C16: from French pétrifier, ultimately from Greek petra stone, rock
Examples of 'petrifies' in a sentence
petrifies
I hate heights and anything to do with flying petrifies me.
The Sun (2011)
Prepared items sail past their 'use by' date; fruit literally petrifies itself in the back of our vast fridges.