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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Fossilize

Fōs'sil-īze, v. t.

verbtransitive

[imp. & p. p. FOSSILIZED; p. pr. & vb. n. FOSSILIZING.] [Fr. fossiliser.]

  1. To convert into a fossil or petrifaction; as, to fossilize bones or wood.
  2. To cause to become antiquated, rigid, or fixed, as by fossilization; to cause to lose the characteristics proper to the time, and to assume those of a former period; to place beyond the influence of change or progress; as, the ideas of some men become fossilized through ignorance and prejudice.

Ten layers of birthdays on a woman's head Are apt to fossilize her girlish mirth. E. B. Browning.

Fōs'sil-ize, v. i.

verbintransitive

Sense 1. To become, or be changed into, a fossil or petrifaction. 2. To become antiquated, rigid, or fixed, beyond the influence of change or progress.