Mortify — Defs

01 v. t. To destroy the organic texture and vital functions of; to produce gangrene in.

imp. & p. p. Mortified; p. pr. & vb. n. Mortifying

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.]
“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; as, to mortify the flesh.
“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; 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.
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.

02 v. i. To lose vitality and organic structure, as flesh of a living body; to gangrene.

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.