Mortify

Definition of Mortify

Mor´ti`fy

v. t.	1.	To destroy the organic texture and vital functions of; to produce gangrene in. [imp. & p. p. Mortified ; p. pr. & vb. n. Mortifying .]
	2.	To destroy the active powers or essential qualities of; to change by chemical action. 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.
v. i.	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.

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