easy
Minerals can slowly petrify wood over many years.
What does Petrify mean?
Petrify means to turn to stone or become very scared.
Dictionary definition
To turn into stone over time, or to make someone feel extremely afraid.
Example sentences
Petrify in a sentence
medium
The sudden loud noise seemed to petrify the small puppy.
hard
The science article used petrify to describe how natural material can become stone-like.
Writing practice
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Practice the meaning of Petrify
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Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does petrify mean?
The correct answer matches the meaning of petrify.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to petrify?
Fossilize is close in meaning to petrify.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses petrify correctly?
The sentence uses petrify with its correct meaning.
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Petrify
Voice settings
Sounds like
pet · ruh · fy · strongest beat: pet
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordPetrify.
Partverb.
MeaningPetrify means to turn to stone or become very scared.
ExampleExample: Minerals can slowly petrify wood over many years.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- pet · ruh · fy
- Strongest beat
- pet
- Ending
- fy
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on pet.
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Synonyms
Words like Petrify
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice petrify synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "In the tale, a spell could petrify the clay dragon," then compare close word choices. Practice petrify synonyms.
Word family
Petrify word family
Base word
petrify
verb
petrifies
Present-tense form.
verb
petrified
Past-tense form.
verb
petrifying
Ongoing action form.
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