Main Entry:

mor·ti·fy

Pronunciation:

\ˈmȯr-tə-ˌfī\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

mor·ti·fied; mor·ti·fy·ing

Etymology:

Middle English mortifien, from Anglo-French mortifier, from Late Latin mortificare, from Latin mort-, mors

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1obsolete : to destroy the strength, vitality, or functioning of2: to subdue or deaden (as the body or bodily appetites) especially by abstinence or self-inflicted pain or discomfort3: to subject to severe and vexing embarrassment : shameintransitive verb1: to practice mortification2: to become necrotic or gangrenous