Fos"sil*ize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fossilized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fossilizing (?).] [Cf. F. fossiliser.] 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.

Fos"sil*ize, v. i. 1. To become fossil.

2. To become antiquated, rigid, or fixed, beyond the influence of change or progress.

• to become a fossil
  
• (by extension) to become inflexible or outmoded