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.
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2. To destroy the active powers or essential qualities of; to
change by chemical action. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
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Quicksilver is mortified with turpentine. --Bacon.
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He mortified pearls in vinegar. --Hakewill.
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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.
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With fasting mortified, worn out with tears.
--Harte.
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Mortify thy learned lust. --Prior.
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Mortify, therefore, your members which are upon the
earth. --Col. iii. 5.
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4. To affect with vexation, chagrin; to depress.
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The news of the fatal battle of Worcester, which
exceedingly mortified our expectations. --Evelyn.
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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.
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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.
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