PETRIFY Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

petrify

verb

ˈpe-trə-ˌfī

Definition of petrify

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

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of petrify In group chats and meetings, Republicans are privately petrified the Iran war could cost them the midterms. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026 The filmmaker leans pop-comic rather than petrifying in his final draft, opting for earnestness that smothers atmospheric dread. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 6 Feb. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for petrify

Recent Examples of Synonyms for petrify

Verb

At the Supreme Court, the justices seemed divided on Tuesday in a case that could undermine the ability of many federal regulatory agencies to fine businesses that violate federal laws.

— Nina Totenberg, NPR, 10 Nov. 2026
Those reactions suggest most Republicans hold Trump solely or partly responsible for their party’s midterm losses, a perception that could undermine his influence in the GOP going forward.

— Scott Clement, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of undermine

Verb

An evening spent practicing, creating, or enjoying your own company can strengthen your life outside the group without weakening the friendship.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Nov. 2026
The grid, however, was already weakened given a lack of maintenance and investment.

— Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of weaken

Verb

The brain wound was cleaned and drained before surgeons patched up his skull.

— Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026
Crews started excavating the site Wednesday, once utility workers had drained water and cleared other hazards, the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday.

— Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of drain

Verb

In the Rocky Mountains, years of extreme heat and drought have baked the landscape, drying up streams that feed the Colorado River and desiccating pastures where cattle graze.

— Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
Strewn around the edges of the room are ceramic casts of the pocked fruit, brown and desiccated like a pile of skulls.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of desiccate

Verb

This heats the air dramatically, expanding it and exhausting the hot gas at a much higher velocity than normal.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 1 Nov. 2026
That message resonated with Israelis exhausted by years of war, among them Hila Asayag, 49, whose son has served in Gaza and Lebanon.

— Lior Soroka, Washington Post, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of exhaust

Verb

This is the league, remember, where a man (Harvey Updyke) confessed to poisoning the trees at Auburn on a radio show after Alabama lost to the Tigers, and a coach (Jackie Sherrill at Mississippi State) castrated a bull to motivate his squad.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026
Those expectations got castrated because of last season’s early struggles.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

Definition of castrate

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petrifies

petrify

petrifying

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“Petrify.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/petrify. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of petrify

verb

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