Definition
gorgonizing
verb
- turning to stone or becoming rigid and immobile, as if petrified by the gaze of a Gorgon; rendering someone motionless or helpless through fear or shock
Usage: literary; often used metaphorically
Examples
- The sudden appearance of the ghost had a gorgonizing effect on the entire audience.
- Her icy stare was gorgonizing, leaving him unable to speak or move.
- The news of the disaster was gorgonizing, freezing everyone in place.
- He felt gorgonizing fear as the predator approached.
- The critic's harsh words had a gorgonizing impact on the young artist's confidence.