Crossword Genius

Put the fear of God into trophy wife who leaves (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

petrify

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'put' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I can't see how one could define the other.

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for petrify that I've seen before include "Frighten stiff" , "Paralyse with fear" , "Turn to stone" , "Scare stiff" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and the Irish Times.
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