Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Mortify
Mor′ti-fy
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Mortified
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Mortifying
.] 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;
as, to
. mortify
the fleshWith 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; 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
,Verb.
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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Mortify
MOR'TIFY
,Verb.
T.
1.
To destroy the organic texture and vital functions of some part of a living animal; to change to sphacelus or gangrene. Extreme inflammation speedily mortifies flesh.2.
To subdue or bring into subjection, as the bodily appetites by abstinence or rigorous severities. We mortify ourselves with fish.
With fasting mortified, worn out with tears.
3.
To subdue; to abase; to humble; to reduce; to restrain; as inordinate passions. Mortify thy learned lust.
Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth. Col.3.
4.
To humble; to depress; to affect with slight vexation. 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.
He is controlled by a nod, mortified by a frown, and transported with a smile.
5.
To destroy active powers or essential qualities. He mortified pearls in vinegar--
Quicksilver--mortified with turpentine.
[I believe this application is not now in use.]
MOR'TIFY
,Verb.
I.
1.
To be subdued.2.
To practice severities and penance from religious motives. This makes him give alms of all that he hath, watch, fast and mortify.