mortification

noun

mor·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmȯr-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: a sense of humiliation and shame caused by something that wounds one's pride or self-respect

… the mortification of being jilted …

—Washington Irving

b

: the cause of such humiliation or shame

2

: necrosis, gangrene

3

: the subjection and denial of bodily passions and appetites by abstinence or self-inflicted pain or discomfort

was customary to practice mortification during Lent

Synonyms of mortification

• embarrassment
• confusion
• humiliation

Examples of mortification in a Sentence

the mortification of being dumped the night before the prom

Recent Examples on the Web

Both Bowen and Burrell have teens of their own – three boys and two girls, respectively – and are far too familiar with the typical parent-teen mortification dilemma. —Sam Woodward, USA Today, 9 May 2026

Monica’s mortification that summer of ’98 forms the backbone of Julia Langbein’s latest novel Dear Monica Lewinsky, out this month from Doubleday. —Lilyanna D'amato, ARTnews.com, 26 Apr. 2026

The comments section features a piquant blend of solemnity, mortification, tastelessness, and transphobia, which accords with Moreschi’s reception in his lifetime. —Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

As if unable to resist her own mortification, Leonora asks if the bed is comfortable. —Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Phrases Containing mortification

• self-mortification

Rhymes for mortification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Medical Definition

mortification

noun

mor·​ti·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmȯrt-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

: local death of tissue in the animal body : necrosis, gangrene