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Mortify: meaning, definitions and examples

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mortify

 

[ˈmɔːr.tɪ.faɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

emotional pain

To mortify someone means to cause them to feel very embarrassed or ashamed. This can happen in situations where a person feels humiliated or exposed in front of others.

Synonyms

abash, embarrass, humiliate.

Examples of usage

  • She was mortified when she tripped in front of her classmates.
  • His harsh criticism mortified her right before the presentation.
  • He felt mortified to be rejected in front of everyone.
Context #2 | Verb

self-discipline

Mortify can also mean to subdue or restrain one's bodily passions or desires, often used in a religious or ascetic context. This use implies a level of self-denial and control over one's impulses.

Synonyms

control, restrain, subdue.

Examples of usage

  • The monk sought to mortify his flesh through fasting.
  • She practiced meditation to mortify her overwhelming desires.
  • He believes in mortifying his cravings to maintain discipline.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'morti' meaning 'death' and the suffix '-fy,' which means 'to make' or 'to cause.'
  • Originally, it was used to describe putting someone to death, but over time it evolved to mean causing someone great embarrassment.

Psychology

  • Feeling mortified can trigger a strong emotional response, similar to watching a cringe-worthy moment in a movie.
  • Social scientists have found that public embarrassment can lead to anxiety and a desire to avoid similar situations in the future.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often face mortifying moments that define their arcs, making them relatable to readers.
  • Many classic novels explore themes of pride and shame, showing how mortification can lead to personal growth.

Pop Culture

  • Comedians often use mortifying stories from their own lives to connect with audiences, transforming shame into humor.
  • TV shows and movies frequently depict embarrassing situations to create comedic tension and relatable plotlines.

Historical Usage

  • In older texts, the term was used in religious contexts to describe self-discipline or repentance, mortifying one's desires.
  • Historically, mortification was associated with ascetic practices aimed at reducing one's ego through shame.

Translations

Translations of the word "mortify" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mortificar

🇮🇳 शर्मिंदा करना

🇩🇪 erniedrigen

🇮🇩 mematikan

🇺🇦 пригнічувати

🇵🇱 mortyfikować

🇯🇵 屈辱を与える

🇫🇷 mortifier

🇪🇸 mortificar

🇹🇷 rezil etmek

🇰🇷 굴욕감을 주다

🇸🇦 يُهين

🇨🇿 ponižovat

🇸🇰 ponižovať

🇨🇳 羞辱

🇸🇮 ponižati

🇮🇸 niða

🇰🇿 масқаралау

🇬🇪 დაწყვეტა

🇦🇿 aşağılamak

🇲🇽 mortificar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,519 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.