Petrified vs. Terrified — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 2, 2024
Petrified implies being so frightened that one is unable to move or react, often suggesting a temporary paralysis by fear, whereas terrified refers to extreme fear but doesn't imply immobility.
Difference Between Petrified and Terrified
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Key Differences
Being petrified connotes an intense level of fear that causes one to be frozen in place, almost as if turned to stone, which captures the literal meaning of the term derived from the Latin 'petrificare', meaning 'to make into stone'. Terrified, on the other hand, refers to a severe state of fear that may not necessarily immobilize a person.
The experience of being petrified often involves both a physical and psychological reaction to fear, where the body’s response is to lock up, halting any movement. Conversely, being terrified can propel one into frantic actions or a flight response, driven by the body’s natural reaction to danger.
Petrified is used to describe reactions to fear that are overwhelming and all-consuming, making it difficult to respond or act. Terrified, while still severe, allows for a range of responses and might lead someone to scream, run, or seek help.
The term petrified is often used in hyperbolic or metaphorical expressions to emphasize the extremity of the fear felt, even in situations not literally life-threatening. Terrified is a more straightforward description of extreme fear, applicable in both dangerous and intensely unnerving scenarios.
In literature and everyday language, petrified might be used to heighten the dramatic effect of a narrative, suggesting a deep, visceral freeze due to fear. Terrified is more broadly applicable and describes intense fear that can still lead to a variety of urgent reactions.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Extreme fear causing one to be immobile
Extreme fear, generally allowing for movement
Origin
From Latin ‘petrificare’, meaning to turn to stone
From Latin ‘terrere’, meaning to frighten
Physical Response
Implies physical immobility or freezing in place
Often involves frantic or flight responses
Psychological Effect
Overwhelming and all-consuming fear
Severe fear that may trigger seeking help
Usage in Language
Used hyperbolically to emphasize fear’s intensity
Used to describe severe, actionable fear
Compare with Definitions
Petrified
Often implies a temporary loss of function due to fear.
The ghost story left the campers petrified in their sleeping bags.
Terrified
Experiencing extreme fear or anxiety.
The climber was terrified by the sudden storm that hit.
Petrified
Extremely frightened to the point of immobility.
She was petrified when she heard the strange noises outside her window at night.
Terrified
Implies a strong urge to escape or avoid the situation.
He was terrified of heights, avoiding tall buildings.
Petrified
Can be used metaphorically to express being stunned or shocked.
I was petrified by the sudden bad news.
Terrified
Can lead to visible distress or panic.
The loud explosion left the crowd terrified and screaming.
Petrified
Used to describe a fear-induced state of paralysis.
He stood petrified as the bear approached, unable to move.
Terrified
Reflects a broad range of fear-related behaviors.
The movie was so scary that it terrified the children.
Petrified
Emphasizes an intense emotional and physical reaction.
The sight of the high ledge left her petrified.
Terrified
Often used to describe fear from a known threat.
She was terrified at the thought of speaking in front of the large audience.
Petrified
To convert (wood or other organic matter) into a stony replica by petrifaction.
Terrified
To fill with terror; make deeply afraid
"She was terrified that he would lie to her" (Jodi Picoult).
Petrified
To cause to lose vitality or become impervious to change; deaden
A routine that petrified her thinking.
Terrified
To drive or force by arousing fear
"The few who survived had long ago been terrified into complete intellectual surrender" (George Orwell).
Petrified
To stun or paralyze with terror; daze.
Terrified
Extremely frightened.
Petrified
Having undergone the process of petrification transformation into a stony substance.
Terrified
Simple past tense and past participle of terrify
Petrified
Extremely afraid.
Terrified
Thrown into a state of intense fear or desperation;
Became panicky as the snow deepened
Felt panicked before each exam
Trying to keep back the panic-stricken crowd
The terrified horse bolted
Petrified
Simple past tense and past participle of petrify
Petrified
Converted into stone
Petrified
Converted into a mineral;
Petrified wood
Petrified
So frightened as to be unable to move; stunned or paralyzed with terror;
Petrified with fear
She was petrified by the eerie sound
Too numb with fear to move
Common Curiosities
What does it mean to be petrified?
To be petrified means to be so frightened that one feels unable to move or react, as if turned to stone.
How do you use terrified in a sentence?
"He was terrified of the noises he heard in the dark forest."
Can someone be both petrified and terrified at the same time?
Yes, someone can be both petrified and terrified, experiencing extreme fear that both immobilizes them initially and then possibly triggers a flight response.
Is being petrified a longer state than being terrified?
Being petrified often describes a momentary state of immobility due to shock or fear, while being terrified can last as long as the threatening situation continues.
What type of situations would make someone petrified?
Situations involving sudden, intense fears, like encountering a wild animal or a supernatural event, often leave someone petrified.
Does the intensity of fear differ between being petrified and terrified?
Both terms imply high intensity of fear, but petrified emphasizes an immobilizing effect, whereas terrified suggests a broader range of fearful reactions.
What does terrified mean?
Terrified refers to a state of extreme fear, where one may feel panicky and anxious, but not necessarily immobilized.
How do you use petrified in a sentence?
"When she saw the spider, she was absolutely petrified."
Can these terms be used interchangeably?
While they both describe intense fear, they are not exactly interchangeable because "petrified" implies immobility, and "terrified" suggests a potentially active response to fear.
What type of situations would make someone terrified?
Situations that are perceived as highly dangerous or unnerving, such as public speaking, heights, or being followed, can make someone feel terrified.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
