1. 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.