Môr'ti-fy1, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. MORTIFIED; p. pr. & vb. n. MORTIFYING.] [Fr. mortifier, Pr. mortifar, mortificar, It. & Lat. mortificare, from Lat. mors, mortis, death, and facere, to make.]
Sense 1. To destroy the organic texture and vital functions of; to change to gangrene.
Sense 2. To destroy the active powers or essential qualities of. [Obs.] “Quicksilver . . . mortified with turpentine.” Bacon.
He mortified pearls in vinegar. Bakewill.
Sense 3. To deaden by religious discipline, as the carnal affections, bodily appetites, or worldly desires; to bring into subjection; to abase; to humble. “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.
Sense 4. Hence, generally, to affect with vexation, chagrin, or humiliation; to humble; to depress.
Arrived 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.