fossiliser

Senses

1. 1.

   to fossilize

   to convert into or become a fossil through geological processes

2. 2.

   to fossilize (figurative)

   to become rigidly fixed, outdated, or unchanging; to petrify ideas or systems

Examples

• "Les restes de dinosaures se sont fossilisés il y a des millions d'années."

  The dinosaur remains fossilized millions of years ago.

• "Cette institution risque de fossiliser si elle refuse de s'adapter."

  This institution risks becoming fossilized if it refuses to adapt.

• "Ses opinions se sont fossilisées avec le temps."

  His opinions became petrified over time.

Usage

A formal, technical term used in both scientific and figurative contexts. The figurative sense is common in discussions about institutions, ideas, or societies that resist change or progress. French spelling fossiliser (with double 's') differs from some Romance languages.