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 ]

v. i. 1. To lose vitality and organic structure, as flesh of a living body; to gangrene. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To practice penance from religious motives; to deaden desires by religious discipline. [ 1913 Webster ]

This makes him . . . give alms of all that he hath, watch, fast, and mortify. Law. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To be subdued; to decay, as appetites, desires, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Tending to mortify; affected by, or having symptoms of, mortification; as, a mortifying wound; mortifying flesh. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Subduing the appetites, desires, etc.; as, mortifying penances. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Tending to humble or abase; humiliating; as, a mortifying repulse. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a mortifying manner. [ 1913 Webster ]