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. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To destroy the active powers or essential qualities of; to change by chemical action. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ] Quicksilver is mortified with turpentine. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ] He mortified pearls in vinegar. Hakewill. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] With fasting mortified, worn out with tears. Harte. [ 1913 Webster ] Mortify thy learned lust. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ] Mortify, therefore, your members which are upon the earth. Col. iii. 5. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To affect with vexation, chagrin; to depress. [ 1913 Webster ] The news of the fatal battle of Worcester, which exceedingly mortified our expectations. Evelyn. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster + PJC ] |