What is another word for petrify?

Pronunciation: [pˈɛtɹɪfˌa͡ɪ] (IPA)

Petrify means to turn something into stone or to make someone so scared that they become paralyzed. There are various synonyms for the word petrify, including terrify, freeze, paralyze, stun, stupefy, shock, astound, mesmerize, immobilize, and stun into silence. Each of these synonyms represents a different aspect of the petrification process, such as paralyzing with fear or immobilizing with awe. Depending on the context, any of these synonyms can be used to convey the same meaning as petrify. So the next time you want to express the same feeling of fear or awe as petrifying can, try using one of these synonyms.

Synonyms for Petrify:

What are the hypernyms for Petrify?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the hyponyms for Petrify?

Hyponyms are more specific words categorized under a broader term, known as a hypernym.
  • hyponyms for petrify (as verbs)

What are the opposite words for petrify?

Petrify means to turn to stone or to cause someone to become paralyzed with fear. Some common antonyms for the word "petrify" include "reassure," "calm," "soothe," "comfort," and "encourage." These antonyms describe actions that can help alleviate fear and panic, or at least minimize their effect. Another possible antonym for "petrify" is "animate," which means to give life or energy to something. Overall, the antonyms for "petrify" reveal key ways of overcoming fear and anxiety, ranging from providing comfort to instilling courage, and from calming nerves to invigorating the spirit.

Usage examples for Petrify

"Poor Italian," she said, in a soft, low tone-"poor child of the South, what are you doing in this cold North, amongst these frosty hearts whose icy smiles petrify art and beauty?
"Berlin and Sans-Souci"
Louise Muhlbach
This seemed to petrify them.
"The Memoires of Casanova, Complete The Rare Unabridged London Edition Of 1894, plus An Unpublished Chapter of History, By Arthur Symons"
Jacques Casanova de Seingalt
This observation seemed to petrify everyone except the superioress, who said that his eminence had now a perfect right to relax any or all of the rules of the establishment.
"The Memoires of Casanova, Complete The Rare Unabridged London Edition Of 1894, plus An Unpublished Chapter of History, By Arthur Symons"
Jacques Casanova de Seingalt

Famous quotes with Petrify

  • Time, which runs through the world like an endless tinsel thread, seemed to pass through the centre of this room and through the centre of these people and suddenly to pause and petrify, stiff, still and glittering... and the objects in the room drew a little closer together.
    Robert Musil
  • "Harold and I tried to plant new trees, but they won't take because of the roots. You got to dig up the old stumps and they go way down. It cost a lot and the roots go everywhere. Under the streets and the lawns. We got them in our cellar. And you seen the sidewalks." I said I had. "You'd like to plant a tree or two, but where?" "The roots will die eventually," I said, trying to be optimistic, since she really wanted to plant trees. "That's what I said. Harold says no. He says they just petrify there in the ground, making it impossible for anything alive to find root and grab ahold. 'Course Harold is a sourpuss. I think sometimes he just says things like that so he won't have to go out and try. Some people would rather do without trees than dig a little hole."
    Richard Russo

Related words: petrification, petrified, petrified state

Related questions:

  • Does a petrified state last forever?
  • What does a petrified state mean?
  • What is the process for petrification?
  • What causes a petrified state?
  • How do you get a petrified state?
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