Petrify is a status in Final Fantasy VIII. Petrification flags the afflicted unit as defeated, and is thus essentially similar to the Death status. If all player characters become petrified, it is a Game Over; though Phoenix may activate upon a fully petrified party, it cannot cure petrification. If the timer for Petrifying runs out, the target is also inflicted with Petrify.
Damage and healing do not affect petrified units. When petrified, all other statuses are nullified. Petrified party members turn into gray stone and become immobilized. Enemies do not turn gray, just frozen in place.
When an enemy is petrified in battle, the player earns EXP based on the HP damage done prior to petrification. AP and items are not earned.
Petrification is essentially another form of Instant Death. It is best inflicted with Breaks in ST-Atk-J, but the player may prefer Death spells to still receive AP and items and cards, which are often the preferred reward for battles over EXP.