petrification n the process of turning some plant material into stone by infiltration with water carrying mineral particles without changing the original shape Usage(s) I've always said architecture is the petrification of a cultural moment. Two years ago, invited to appear on a BBC-TV interview, he went on camera paralyzed to the point of petrification. Although she "enjoyed a real cold petrification," the debut was a major success. Synonym(s) petrifaction