The meaning of PETRIFY is to convert (organic matter) into stone or a substance of stony hardness by the infiltration of water and the deposition of dissolved mineral matter.

To convert (wood or other organic matter) into a stony replica by petrifaction. 2. To cause to lose vitality or become impervious to change; deaden: a routine that petrified her thinking. 3. To …

If dead things petrify, they change to a substance like stone over a long period of time.

PETRIFY definition: to convert into stone or a stony substance. See examples of petrify used in a sentence.

[intransitive, transitive] petrify (something) to change or to make something change into a substance like stone. Definition of petrify verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. …

Dec 14, 2025 · To produce rigidity akin to stone. (intransitive) To become stone, or of a stony hardness, as organic matter by calcareous deposits. Like Niobe we marble grow, / And petrify …

pet•ri•fy /ˈpɛtrəˌfaɪ/ v., -fied, -fy•ing. to (cause to) become changed into stone or a stony substance: [no object] Over thousands of years the fossils had petrified. [~ + object] The hot …