What is another name for petrified?

Answered by Tom Adger

Another name for petrified is startled. When you are startled, you experience a sudden shock or surprise, often causing a momentary paralysis or freeze response. It is similar to being petrified, where you feel frozen or immobilized with fear or shock.

Another synonym for petrified is stupefied. When you are stupefied, you are rendered speechless or unable to think clearly due to shock or astonishment. It is a state of being mentally or emotionally stunned, similar to feeling petrified.

A related term for petrified is deadened. When you are deadened, you are emotionally or physically numbed, unable to feel or react strongly to what is happening around you. It is a state of being dulled or desensitized, akin to feeling petrified.

Ossified is another word that can be used as a synonym for petrified. It refers to the process of becoming hardened or rigid, both physically and metaphorically. When you are ossified, you are inflexible, unyielding, and resistant to change.

Stone is a simple and direct synonym for petrified. When you are stone, you are completely still and motionless, as if turned to stone. It implies a state of immobility and rigidity, much like being petrified.

Calcified is another term that can be used interchangeably with petrified. It refers to the process of hardening or solidifying, often in a biological sense. When you are calcified, you are transformed into a hardened or rigid state, similar to feeling petrified.

To be comforted is an antonym of petrified. When you are comforted, you are provided with solace, reassurance, or support that alleviates fear or distress. It is the opposite of feeling petrified, as comfort brings a sense of calm and security.

Stunned is another antonym for petrified. When you are stunned, you are temporarily rendered speechless or unable to react due to shock or surprise. It is a state of being momentarily immobilized, contrasting with the feeling of being petrified.

Frightened is a synonym for petrified, as both terms describe a state of extreme fear. When you are frightened, you experience intense fear or terror, often causing a freeze or flight response. It is similar to feeling petrified, where fear immobilizes you.

Hardened is another synonym for petrified. When you are hardened, you become toughened or desensitized, both physically and emotionally. It implies a loss of vulnerability or sensitivity, akin to feeling petrified.

Molten is a related word that can be used to describe the opposite of feeling petrified. When something is molten, it is liquefied or in a state of flowing fluidity, often due to intense heat. It contrasts with the sense of rigidity and immobility associated with being petrified.

There are several synonyms, antonyms, and related words that can be used to describe the state of being petrified. These include startled, stupefied, deadened, ossified, stone, calcified, comforted, stunned, frightened, hardened, and molten. Each term captures a different aspect of the experience, whether it be shock, rigidity, fear, or the opposite state of comfort and fluidity.