Definition of "petrify" []

• To convert (wood or other organic matter) into a stony replica by petrifaction. (verb-transitive)
• To cause to become stiff or stonelike; deaden. (verb-transitive)
• To stun or paralyze with terror; daze. (verb-transitive)
• To become stony, especially by petrifaction. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The build-up of petrify occurs when petrify is churned in colder weather."
• "TIFF image. iBlaze 3.0 now allows you to "petrify" an electronic document as either color or black & white."
• "We shouldn't "petrify" him but continue to think for ourselves and our times utilizing his insights and, more importantly, his approach. (my take)"