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Mortify Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'mortify'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The verb 'mortify' originates from the late Middle English term 'mortifien', which comes from the Latin 'mortificare', meaning 'to put to death' or 'to deaden'. The Latin roots 'mortis' meaning 'death' and 'facere' meaning 'to make' combine to emphasize both the physical and emotional aspects of the word. In earlier usages, 'mortify' primarily referred to physical death or the act of dying, but as language evolved, it began to encompass the idea of dying to one's desires or passions, leading to the contemporary uses focused on embarrassment and self-restraint. This shift reflects the broader philosophical concepts of self-denial prominent in various religious traditions, where mortification becomes a means of personal growth and spiritual development.

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.