Definitions

1. verb

to preserve a plant or animal in a stone, or to become preserved in this way

“The changing climate is helping to fossilize ancient plants.”

2. verb

to preserve something as it was in the past, often in a way that prevents change or development

“The government’s policies have fossilized the economy, preventing it from adapting to new challenges.”

3. noun

the process of preserving a plant or animal in a stone

“The discovery of a new fossilization site has shed new light on the evolution of life on Earth.”