mortify

Verb
Synonyms: subduecrucifyhumiliatechagrinhumbleabasenecrosegangrenesphacelate

WordNet 3.0

Verb (4)

  1. practice self-denial of one's body and appetites
  2. hold within limits and control“subdue one's appetites”“mortify the flesh”Synonyms: subduecrucify
  3. cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of“He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss”Synonyms: humiliatechagrinhumbleabase
  4. undergo necrosis“the tissue around the wound necrosed”Synonyms: necrosegangrenesphacelate
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Mortify \Mor"ti*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Mortified; p. pr. & vb. n. Mortifying.] [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. [1913 Webster]

2.To destroy the active powers or essential qualities of; to change by chemical action. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

Quicksilver is mortified with turpentine.— Bacon.[1913 Webster]
He mortified pearls in vinegar.— Hakewill.[1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

With fasting mortified, worn out with tears.— Harte.[1913 Webster]
Mortify thy learned lust.— Prior.[1913 Webster]
Mortify, therefore, your members which are upon the earth.— Col. iii. 5.[1913 Webster]

4.To affect with vexation, chagrin; to depress. [1913 Webster]

The news of the fatal battle of Worcester, which exceedingly mortified our expectations.— Evelyn.[1913 Webster]
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!— Addison.[1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster + PJC]

Mortify \Mor"ti*fy\, v. i.

1.To lose vitality and organic structure, as flesh of a living body; to gangrene. [1913 Webster]

2.To practice penance from religious motives; to deaden desires by religious discipline. [1913 Webster]

This makes him . . . give alms of all that he hath, watch, fast, and mortify.— Law.[1913 Webster]

3.To be subdued; to decay, as appetites, desires, etc. [1913 Webster]

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