Mor"ti*fy (?), 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.
2. To destroy the active powers or essential
qualities of; to change by chemical action. [Obs.]
Chaucer.
Quicksilver is mortified with
turpentine.
Bacon.
He mortified pearls in vinegar.
Hakewill.
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.
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.
4. To affect with vexation, chagrin, or
humiliation; to humble; to depress.
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.
Mor"ti*fy, v. i. 1.
To lose vitality and organic structure, as flesh of a living
body; to gangrene.
2. To practice penance from religious
motives; to deaden desires by religious discipline.
This makes him . . . give alms of all that he hath,
watch, fast, and mortify.
Law.
3. To be subdued; to decay, as appetites,
desires, etc.
