Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of 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. 2. To destroy the active powers or essential qualities of; to change by chemical action. [Obs.] --Chaucer. Quicksilver is mortified with turpentine. --Bacon. He mortified pearls in vinegar. --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. With fasting mortified, worn out with tears. --Harte. Mortify thy learned lust. --Prior. Mortify, rherefore, your members which are upon the earth. --Col. iii. 5. 4. To affect with vexation, chagrin, or humiliation; to humble; to depress. The news of the fatal battle of Worcester, which exceedingly mortified our expectations. --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! --Addison.
\Mor"ti*fy\, v. i. 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. --Law. 3. To be subdued; to decay, as appetites, desires, etc.