Petrified

Petrified describes the state of being so frightened that one is unable to move or think, as if turned to stone. It can also describe the process of organic matter being converted into stone or a stone-like substance through fossilization. Figuratively, it signifies being overwhelmed by a specific emotion, often fear, making someone immobile. The term underscores a complete inability to act or react.

Petrified meaning with examples

• When the shadow moved, the hikers were Petrified, frozen in place by a primal terror, unable to scream or even breathe, as they watched the form approach them in the dim light.
• The young girl was Petrified after the loud thunderclap, her eyes wide with fear as her body went completely stiff, clinging to her mother's leg and refusing to let go.
• Millions of years ago, dinosaurs were Petrified as their remains were fossilized, and transformed into the stony structures that now inform our understanding of the past.
• Sarah became Petrified with public speaking, every muscle tensing and her thoughts scattering, causing her to stammer incoherently when she stood before the audience.
• Discovering the unexpected test results left her Petrified, the implications of the data making her incapable of processing anything else as she held her breath.