1. to make someone so frightened that they cannot move or think clearly
2. to change organic matter into stone through a natural process over time
Usage: geological

Examples

• The loud crash petrified the children.
• She was petrified of speaking in public.
• The horror movie petrified the audience.
• Ancient trees can petrify over millions of years.
• The museum displayed petrified wood specimens.
• Fear petrified him as he heard footsteps in the dark house.