Fossilize v. t. (past & past part. fossilized; pres. part. fossilizing)
1.
To convert into a fossil; to petrify; as, to fossilize bones or wood.
2.
To cause to become antiquated, rigid, or fixed, as by fossilization; to mummify; to deaden. "Ten layers of birthdays on a woman's head Are apt to fossilize her girlish mirth."
... not justify terming a flexible attitude of readjustment a choice of a new and further calling, it is such in effect. If even adults have to be on the lookout to see that their calling does not shut down on them and fossilize them, educators must certainly be careful that the vocational preparation of youth is such as to engage them in a continuous reorganization of ... — Democracy and Education • John Dewey
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