Library / English Dictionary

MORTIFY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

Irregular inflected form: mortified   

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Undergo necrosis

Example:

the tissue around the wound necrosed

Synonyms:

gangrene; mortify; necrose; sphacelate

Classified under:

Verbs of grooming, dressing and bodily care

Hypernyms (to "mortify" is one way to...):

rot; waste (become physically weaker)

Sentence frame:

Somebody's (body part) ----s

Derivation:

mortification (the localized death of living cells (as from infection or the interruption of blood supply))

Sense 2

Meaning:

Cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of

Example:

He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss

Synonyms:

abase; chagrin; humble; humiliate; mortify

Classified under:

Verbs of feeling

Hypernyms (to "mortify" is one way to...):

bruise; hurt; injure; offend; spite; wound (hurt the feelings of)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "mortify"):

crush; smash (humiliate or depress completely)

degrade; demean; disgrace; put down; take down (reduce in worth or character, usually verbally)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s somebody
Something ----s somebody

Sentence example:

The performance is likely to mortify Sue

Derivation:

mortification (an instance in which you are caused to lose your prestige or self-respect)

mortification (strong feelings of embarrassment)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Hold within limits and control

Example:

mortify the flesh

Synonyms:

crucify; mortify; subdue

Classified under:

Verbs of feeling

Hypernyms (to "mortify" is one way to...):

check; contain; control; curb; hold; hold in; moderate (lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits)

"Mortify" entails doing...:

abstain; desist; refrain (choose not to consume)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "mortify"):

mortify (practice self-denial of one's body and appetites)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody

Derivation:

mortification ((Christianity) the act of mortifying the lusts of the flesh by self-denial and privation (especially by bodily pain or discomfort inflicted on yourself))

Sense 4

Meaning:

Practice self-denial of one's body and appetites

Classified under:

Verbs of feeling

Hypernyms (to "mortify" is one way to...):

crucify; mortify; subdue (hold within limits and control)

check; condition; discipline; train (develop (a child's or animal's) behavior by instruction and practice; especially to teach self-control)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s

Derivation:

mortification ((Christianity) the act of mortifying the lusts of the flesh by self-denial and privation (especially by bodily pain or discomfort inflicted on yourself))

Credits

 Context examples: 

“You mustn’t look so mortified, nephew,” said my uncle, smiling.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

We had got well out on the country road, when a somewhat mortifying incident occurred.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

That her sister's affections WERE calm, she dared not deny, though she blushed to acknowledge it; and of the strength of her own, she gave a very striking proof, by still loving and respecting that sister, in spite of this mortifying conviction.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

You have not much time before you; and your relations are in no situation to do anything for you, or to mortify you by the contrast of their own wealth and consequence.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Now if there is anything mortifying to our feelings when we are young, it is to be told that, and to be bidden to "run away, dear" is still more trying to us.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

You would not wish to disappoint and mortify the Coles, I am sure, sir; friendly, good sort of people as ever lived, and who have been your neighbours these ten years.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

This, spoken in a cool, tranquil tone, was mortifying and baffling enough.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

When she came to that part of the letter in which her family were mentioned in terms of such mortifying, yet merited reproach, her sense of shame was severe.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

It was as incomprehensible as it was mortifying and grievous.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

It cannot be doubted that Sir Walter and Elizabeth were shocked and mortified by the loss of their companion, and the discovery of their deception in her.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)