WordLens

mortify

1 of 1verb
/ˈmɔr.tɪ.ˌfaɪ/
Forms:mortifies,mortifying,mortified,mortified
1

to cause someone to feel extreme embarrassment or shame

transitive
  • His insensitive remark mortified her in front of the whole class.
  • She was mortified when she realized she had worn mismatched shoes to the important meeting.
  • The child was mortified when his mother scolded him in front of his friends.
  • It's important not to intentionally mortify others with harsh criticism or ridicule.
  • The embarrassing mistake during her presentation mortified Sarah, but her colleagues were supportive.
2

to become necrotized, usually due to lack of blood supply

  • The wound began to mortify when the infection spread to the deeper tissues.
  • After hours of compression, the fingers began to mortify, signaling a loss of blood flow.
  • If the limb isn't treated quickly, it could mortify and require amputation.
  • Without proper circulation, the tissue may start to mortify, causing permanent damage.
  • The pressure on the injured foot caused the tissue to mortify, preventing healing.
3

to subdue or control one's physical desires or impulses through self-denial, self-discipline, or ascetic practices

transitive
  • He chose to mortify his flesh by fasting for several days, focusing only on spiritual growth.
  • The monk spent years mortifying his body through rigorous daily rituals and ascetic practices.
  • He believed that by mortifying his ego, he could achieve a deeper sense of humility.
  • The ascetics mortified their senses, rejecting worldly pleasures in favor of contemplation.
  • She mortified her desires for luxury and comfort by adopting a minimalist lifestyle.