1. The act of mortifying, or the condition of being mortified; especially: (a) (Med.) The death of one part
of an animal body, while the rest continues to live; loss of vitality in some part of a living animal; gangrene.
Dunglison. (b) (Alchem. & Old Chem.) Destruction of active qualities; neutralization. [Obs.] Bacon.
(c) Subjection of the passions and appetites, by penance, abstinence, or painful severities inflicted on
the body.
The mortification of our lusts has something in it that is troublesome, yet nothing that is unreasonable.
Tillotson. (d) Hence: Deprivation or depression of self- approval; abatement of pride; humiliation; chagrin; vexation.
We had the mortification to lose sight of Munich, Augsburg, and Ratisbon.
Addison. 2. That which mortifies; the cause of humiliation, chagrin, or vexation.
It is one of the vexatious mortifications of a studious man to have his thoughts discovered by a tedious
visit.
L'Estrange. 3. (Scots Law) A gift to some charitable or religious institution; — nearly synonymous with mortmain.
Syn. — Chagrin; vexation; shame. See Chagrin.
Mortified
(Mor"ti*fied) imp. & p. p. of Mortify.
Mortifiedness
(Mor"ti*fied*ness) n. The state of being mortified; humiliation; subjection of the passions.
[R.]
Mortifier
(Mor"ti*fi`er) n. One who, or that which, mortifies.
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, therefore, 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. Mortify
(Mor"ti*fy), v. i.
