Vzorec užití:
[something/someone] petrifies [someone]
The sudden crash outside petrified everyone in the room.
A kinti hirtelen csattanás mindenkit megbénított a szobában.
I was petrified when I realized I'd lost my passport.
Halálra rémültem, amikor rájöttem, hogy elvesztettem az útlevelemet.
Her father’s silence petrified her more than his anger.
Učební příklady
The loud thunder petrified me.
A hangos mennydörgés teljesen ledermesztett.
She was petrified of snakes.
Rettegett a kígyóktól.
Častá chyba:
Learners sometimes use *petrify* for mild fear; it usually means very strong fear.
Význam
frighten so much they freeze
Kolokace
petrify someone
|be petrified
|petrified with fear
|petrified of spiders
|petrified that
|petrified by the noise
|petrified into silence
|absolutely petrified
|petrifying thought
|petrifying scream
Synonyma
terrify (More common and direct; same strength.)
|
paralyze (Emphasizes being unable to act, often figurative.)
|
scare stiff (Informal phrase with a similar idea of freezing.)
Antonyma
calm (Makes someone less afraid or less tense.)
|
reassure (Reduces fear by giving confidence or comfort.)
Témata
emotions
|fear
|communication
Definice
To make someone extremely afraid so they freeze.
To frighten someone so much that they cannot move, speak, or think clearly for a moment.
Vzorec užití:
[material] petrifies; [something] petrifies [material]
Over time, the fallen trees petrified and became stone-like logs.
Idővel a kidőlt fák megkövesedtek, és kőszerű rönkökké váltak.
The conditions in the riverbed helped petrify the ancient wood.
A folyómeder körülményei elősegítették, hogy az ősi fa megkövesedjen.
The museum displays branches that have petrified over millions of years.
Učební příklady
Wood can petrify and become stone.
A fa megkövesedhet, és kővé válhat.
This log petrified a long time ago.
Ez a fatörzs nagyon régen megkövesedett.
Častá chyba:
Do not confuse with *purify* or *petrify* meaning ‘frighten’.
Význam
turn into stone over time
Kolokace
petrified wood
|petrified forest
|petrified tree trunks
|petrify over millions of years
|petrify organic matter
|petrified remains
|petrified logs
|partly petrified
|completely petrified
|petrification process
Synonyma
fossilize (Broader term; can include other fossil processes besides turning to stone.)
|
mineralize (More technical; emphasizes minerals replacing original material.)
Antonyma
decompose (Break down rather than being preserved as stone.)
|
decay (General rotting process instead of preservation.)
Témata
nature
|science
|geology
Definice
To become stone (or to make something become stone) naturally over time.
To change (especially wood or other organic material) into stone through natural mineral processes over a long period.
Vzorec užití:
[something] petrifies [system/attitude/practice]
Years of success had petrified the company’s thinking.
Az évekig tartó siker megmerevítette a cég gondolkodását.
Fear of criticism can petrify creativity.
A kritikától való félelem megmerevítheti a kreativitást.
The new policy petrified old habits instead of encouraging change.
Učební příklady
Bad rules can petrify an organization.
A rossz szabályok megmerevíthetnek egy szervezetet.
His ideas petrified over time.
Az elképzelései idővel megmerevedtek.
Častá chyba:
This sense is figurative and more formal; for people’s bodies use *stiffen* or *freeze* instead.
Význam
make rigid and unchanging
Kolokace
petrified bureaucracy
|petrified traditions
|petrified attitudes
|petrified rules
|petrified hierarchy
|petrify into routine
|petrify innovation
|petrified mindset
|petrify a system
|petrify progress
Synonyma
ossify (Very close figurative meaning; often used for institutions or ideas.)
|
harden (More general; can be physical or figurative.)
|
entrench (Emphasizes becoming firmly established and difficult to change.)
Antonyma
modernize (Update to fit current needs; opposite of becoming stuck.)
|
revitalize (Bring new energy and change.)
|
soften (Become less strict or rigid.)
Témata
society
|business
|education
Definice
To make something fixed and unable to change.
To make something such as attitudes, rules, or organizations rigid and resistant to change.
Vzorec užití:
[something] petrifies
In the cold wind, his fingers seemed to petrify.
A hideg szélben az ujjai mintha megdermedtek volna.
The mixture will petrify if you leave it uncovered.
A keverék megkeményedik, ha fedetlenül hagyod.
She felt her smile petrify as the conversation turned awkward.
Učební příklady
My hands petrified in the cold.
A kezem megdermedt a hidegben.
The sauce petrified after it cooled.
A szósz megdermedt, miután kihűlt.
Častá chyba:
In everyday English, people more often say *stiffen*, *freeze*, or *solidify*.
Význam
become stiff or solid
Kolokace
hands petrified
|limbs petrified
|blood petrified
|petrify in the cold
|petrify into a crust
|petrified in place
|petrify suddenly
|petrify on contact
|petrify overnight
|petrify completely
Synonyma
stiffen (Most common everyday alternative for bodies/materials becoming less flexible.)
|
solidify (Common for liquids becoming solid.)
|
freeze (Often used for cold or for stopping suddenly.)
Antonyma
loosen (Become less tight or less stiff.)
|
melt (Change from solid to liquid.)
|
soften (Become less hard or less rigid.)
Témata
daily_life
|nature
Definice
To become stiff or hard.
To become stiff, rigid, or solid, especially after being flexible or active.