"Petrified" typically refers to the process by which organic material, such as wood or bone, becomes fossilized through the gradual replacement of its original material with minerals, effectively turning it into stone. This process often occurs over millions of years and involves the infiltration of minerals into the organic structure, preserving its shape and details. In a broader context, "petrified" can also describe a state of being so frightened or shocked that one is unable to move or react.