petrified

Petrified is an adjective describing objects that have been turned into stone or a stone‑like substance, either through natural processes, cultural practices, or figurative usage. In geology, petrification refers to the mineral replacement of organic material, most commonly seen in petrified wood. When trees are rapidly buried by sediment, groundwater rich in silica or other minerals permeates the cells, depositing mineral crystals that preserve the original structure while converting the tissue into a fossilized, stone‑like form. This process can preserve microscopic details such as growth rings and cellular patterns, providing valuable information about ancient ecosystems.

The term also appears in mythology and folklore, where creatures or individuals are said to be turned to stone by the gaze of a Gorgon, a divine curse, or magical forces. Such narratives often serve as metaphors for immobility, fear, or the permanence of death. In a figurative sense, “petrified” describes a state of extreme fear or paralysis, as when a person is “petrified with terror.”

In medicine, the word is used in descriptions of calcification disorders, for example, “petrified lung” in chronic silicosis, where extensive mineral deposition hardens lung tissue. The concept also influences artistic and cultural works, inspiring titles for music, literature, and visual arts that explore themes of stasis, transformation, and endurance. Overall, petrified conveys both a literal process of mineralization and a broader symbolic meaning of being rendered immobile or preserved indefinitely.