mortify
VerbOpen English WordNet
Verb (4)mortified, mortifying
- practice self-denial of one's body and appetitesMore general subdue, discipline
- hold within limits and control“subdue one's appetites”“mortify the flesh”Synonyms: subduecrucifyMore general control, hold inInvolves abstain, refrain
- cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of“He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss”Synonyms: humiliatechagrinhumbleabaseMore general hurt, woundMore specific take down, crush
- undergo necrosis“the tissue around the wound necrosed”Synonyms: necrosegangrenesphacelateMore general waste, rot
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: OE. mortifien, F. mortifier, fr. L. mortificare; L. mors, mortis, death + -ficare (in comp.) to make. See Mortal, and -fy.
1. To destroy the organic texture and vital functions of; to produce gangrene in.
2. To destroy the active powers or essential qualities of; to change by chemical action. obsolete Geoffrey Chaucer
Quicksilver is mortified with turpentine.— Francis, Baron Verulam Bacon
He mortified pearls in vinegar.— George Hakewill
3. To deaden by religious or other discipline, as the carnal affections, bodily appetites, or worldly desires; to bring into subjection; to abase; to humble; as, to mortify the flesh.
With fasting mortified, worn out with tears.— Walter Harte
Mortify thy learned lust.— Matthew Prior
Mortify, therefore, your members which are upon the earth.— Col. iii. 5.
4. To affect with vexation, chagrin; to depress.
The news of the fatal battle of Worcester, which exceedingly mortified our expectations.— John Evelyn
How often is the ambitious man mortified with the very praises he receives, if they do not rise so high as he thinks they ought!— Joseph Addison
5. To humiliate deeply, especially by injuring the pride of; to embarrass painfully; to humble; as, the team was mortified to lose by 45 to 0. [ + ]
1. To lose vitality and organic structure, as flesh of a living body; to gangrene.
2. To practice penance from religious motives; to deaden desires by religious discipline.
This makes him... give alms of all that he hath, watch, fast, and mortify.— William Law
3. To be subdued; to decay, as appetites, desires, etc.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54 · with additions: GCIDE editors