What does lapidify mean?
Lapidify is a rare verb meaning to turn into stone or become stone. Its clearest modern use is in stories of magic or fantasy, where a spell, curse, or enchantment may turn a person or creature to stone, although the word can also describe a process understood as petrification. A writer might say that an enchantress “lapidified” the prince, while a more specialized passage could describe material that gradually lapidifies. The word is related to Latin lapis, meaning “stone,” and is a close semantic equivalent of the more familiar petrify, though it sounds more technical and literary. Figuratively, it can suggest something becoming fixed, rigid, or incapable of change. Because lapidify is uncommon, it is most effective when the precise image of stone matters. In most everyday contexts, petrify is the clearer and more natural choice for general readers.
verbTo turn into stone or become stone; to petrify.
- To turn into stone or become stone.
"The enchantress lapidified the prince before concealing him beneath the castle gardens."
"In the legend, the sorceress lapidified the prince and concealed him in the garden."
"Over time, the buried remains lapidified into stone."
From Latin lapis, meaning “stone,” lapidify literally means “turn into stone”—a word tailor-made for enchantments.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lapidify come from?
Lapidify was formed in English from Latin lapis, meaning “stone,” together with the suffix -ify, meaning “to make into.” The same Latin root underlies words such as lapidary, lapidate, and lapillus. Its meaning paralleled the established English word petrify, which likewise denotes the conversion of something into stone.
Related word forms
How lapidify is actually used
This is a rare word with a literary, fantastical, or specialized tone. It is less common in general usage than “petrify” and may be used transitively or intransitively.
Easily confused with lapidify
Lapidify is a verb meaning to turn into stone, whereas lapidary is an adjective or noun relating to engraved stones or the art of engraving them.