ossify
UK: ˈɒs.ɪ.faɪ | US: ˈɑː.sɪ.faɪ
vi. to turn into bone or a bony substance
vt. to cause to become rigid or inflexible in habits, attitudes, or opinions
vi. (figuratively) to become rigid or resistant to change
The word ossify originates from the Latin ossificare, combining os (bone) and -ficare (to make). It initially described the biological process of bone formation. Over time, it evolved metaphorically to describe the hardening of ideas or systems, mirroring the literal rigidity of bone.
Cartilage will gradually ossify as children grow.
The company's policies began to ossify, stifling innovation.
Without flexibility, traditions can ossify and lose relevance.
The fracture caused the tissue to ossify abnormally.
His opinions had ossified after decades of isolation.