D defs.my
Entry 4 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Fossilize

/fäs'-əl-īzˌ/ · Fos·sil·ize · IPA /ˈfɒs.ɪl.aɪz/
01 v. t. To convert into a fossil; to petrify; as, to fossilize bones or wood.
imp. & p. p. Fossilized; p. pr. & vb. n. Fossilizing
  1. 1.
    To convert into a fossil; to petrify; as, to fossilize bones or wood.
  2. 2.
    To cause to become antiquated, rigid, or fixed, as by fossilization; to mummify; to deaden.
    “Ten layers of birthdays on a woman's head Are apt to fossilize her girlish mirth.” Mrs. Browning.
02 v. i. To become fossil.
  1. 1.
    To become fossil.
  2. 2.
    To become antiquated, rigid, or fixed, beyond the influence of change or progress.