petrified

[pe-truh-fahyd] / ˈpɛ trəˌfaɪd /

ADJECTIVE

hardened

Synonyms

STRONG

calcified fossilized frozen ossified solidified

ADJECTIVE

terrified

Synonyms

STRONG

alarmed dazed frightened frozen immobilized numb scared shocked spooked startled stunned terrorized unnerved

WEAK

afraid anxious fearful have cold feet in a cold sweat in a panic panicky pushing the panic button scared stiff speechless terror-stricken

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

With “Rooster,” Lawrence, Tarses and Carell have created a more intimate dynamic centered on a father-daughter bond that has petrified a bit.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

Tello told ProPublica she was petrified and particularly worried for her younger siblings.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

She added that K called Wixon "the witch" and was "petrified" of her.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

"We ran downstairs to the basement... from the 10th floor... we were petrified," he told AFP.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

But now I was even more petrified because I didn’t want the judge to think I wasn’t taking him seriously because I was laughing.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah

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