Basic Details
Word: Petrified
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Extremely scared or frightened; also refers to organic material that has turned into stone.
Synonyms: Terrified, scared, frozen
Antonyms: Unafraid, relaxed, calm
Idioms and Phrases
- Petrified with fear: Completely frozen in fear, unable to move. Example: "When the thunderstorm hit, I was petrified with fear and couldn't move from my spot."
- Petrified like a stone: Describing someone who is very still and scared, as if turned to stone. Example: "She was petrified like a stone when she saw the enormous spider crawl towards her."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The little boy was petrified when the loud fireworks went off on New Year's Eve.
Example 2: As she entered the haunted house, she felt petrified and hesitated at the door.
Example 3: The ancient trees in the forest were so old that they looked as if they had been petrified over centuries.
Fun Fact
The word "petrified" comes from the Latin word "petra," meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' This term is used when organic materials, like wood, turn into stone over a long period, such as through a process called fossilization.
Famous Quote
"Fear is the mind-killer." - Frank Herbert
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "petrified" mean?
a) Very happy
b) Extremely scared
c) In a hurry
d) Very strong
Answer: b) Extremely scared
2. Which of these is a synonym of "petrified"?
a) Relaxed
b) Terrified
c) Excited
d) Calm
Answer: b) Terrified
3. Which word is an antonym of "petrified"?
a) Frozen
b) Unafraid
c) Scared
d) In shock
Answer: b) Unafraid
4. Which sentence uses "petrified" correctly?
a) The girl was petrified when she saw her favourite toy.
b) He was petrified after he ate his lunch.
c) She felt petrified standing alone in the dark.
d) The cat is petrified of water.
Answer: c) She felt petrified standing alone in the dark.
5. Which idiom means 'frozen in fear'?
a) Petrified like a stone
b) Jumping for joy
c) As brave as a lion
d) Walking on air
Answer: a) Petrified like a stone
