petrification Definition
- 1the process of turning organic material into stone or a stony substance
- 2the state of being so frightened that you cannot move or think
Using petrification: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "petrification" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The petrification of wood can occur over thousands of years.
Example
The sight of the snake caused her petrification.
Example
The petrification of the once-lively town was eerie to behold.
petrification Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for petrification
Phrases with petrification
a state of overthinking or overanalyzing a situation, resulting in inaction or an inability to make a decision
Example
Her petrification led to analysis paralysis, and she was unable to act.
stone-cold sober
completely sober, without any trace of alcohol or drugs in one's system
Example
After his petrification at the party, he decided to stay stone-cold sober for the rest of the night.
Example
The petrification caused by the horror movie left her scared stiff for hours afterward.
Summary: petrification in Brief
Petrification [ˌpɛtrəfɪˈkeɪʃən] refers to the process of turning organic material into stone or a stony substance. It can also refer to a state of being so frightened that one cannot move or think, as in 'The sight of the snake caused her petrification.' Other phrases include 'analysis paralysis,' which describes overthinking to the point of inaction, and 'scared stiff,' meaning extreme fear that immobilizes a person.
