fossilize Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb convert to a fossil
    fossilise.
    • The little animals fossilized and are now embedded in the limestone
  2. verb become mentally inflexible
    fossilise.

WordNet

Fos"sil*ize transitive verb
Etymology
Cf. F. fossiliser.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Fossilized ; present participle & verbal noun Fossilizing
Definitions
  1. To convert into a fossil; to petrify; as, to fossilize bones or wood.
  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.
Fos"sil*ize intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To become fossil.
  2. To become antiquated, rigid, or fixed, beyond the influence of change or progress.

Webster 1913