Synonyms of petrify

petrify

verb

ˈpe-trə-ˌfī 

as in to undermine

to deprive of emotional or intellectual vitality

groupthink and peer pressure have so petrified the thinking of the company's top brass that they haven't produced an innovative product in years

Synonyms & Similar Words

• undermine
• weaken
• drain
• desiccate
• exhaust
• dehydrate
• enervate
• castrate
• wear
• devitalize
• deaden
• damp
• dampen
• lobotomize
• discourage
• debilitate
• enfeeble
• sap
• geld
• wear out
• burn out
• fatigue
• daunt
• dishearten
• demoralize
• tucker (out)
• dispirit
• do in

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stimulate
• energize
• enliven
• invigorate
• vitalize
• stir
• quicken
• vivify
• arouse
• rouse
• brace
• electrify
• provoke
• galvanize
• excite
• charge
• incite
• trigger
• fire
• inspire
• ferment
• lift
• inflame
• whip (up)
• instigate
• spark
• fortify
• foment
• kindle
• revive
• cheer
• boost
• regenerate
• renew
• hearten
• resurrect
• embolden
• refresh
• abet
• revitalize
• reanimate
• reactivate
• buoy
• reawaken
• rejuvenate
• resuscitate
• recharge
• rekindle
• reenergize
• reawake

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of petrify

The former slingshots between harmony and hysteria; the latter petrifies its beauty under a haze of ashy gray powder. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 28 Nov. 2025

You'll be petrified by the violence inflicted upon boys who only wanted a chance to pull their families out of financial duress and have an opportunity at a comfortable life afforded to most of us sitting in our seats. — Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 13 Sep. 2025

So don’t go around being petrified of having your esophagus rupture someday. — Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

Nearly every day brings a fresh breach of what were once thought to be the rules, moves that have thrilled his insurgent supporters and petrified his nervous opponents. — Peter Baker, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025