petrifying

pet·ri·fy  (ptr-f)

v. pet·ri·fied, pet·ri·fy·ing, pet·ri·fies

v.tr.

1. To convert (wood or other organic matter) into a stony replica by petrifaction.

2. To cause to become stiff or stonelike; deaden.

3. To stun or paralyze with terror; daze.

v.intr.

To become stony, especially by petrifaction.

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[Middle English petrifien, to harden, from Old French petrifier : Latin petra, rock (from Greek petr; see per-² in Indo-European roots) + Old French -fier, -fy.]

Thesaurus

Adj.

1.

petrifying - paralyzing with terror alarming - frightening because of an awareness of danger