'Mortify' definitions:

Definition of 'mortify'

From: WordNet
verb
Practice self-denial of one's body and appetites
verb
Hold within limits and control; "subdue one's appetites"; "mortify the flesh" [syn: mortify, subdue, crucify]
verb
Cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of; "He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss" [syn: humiliate, mortify, chagrin, humble, abase]
verb
Undergo necrosis; "the tissue around the wound necrosed" [syn: necrose, gangrene, mortify, sphacelate]

Definition of 'Mortify'

From: 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]

Definition of 'Mortify'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]

Synonyms of 'mortify'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Mortify'