v.
Pronunciation: ' mo ̇ r-t ə - ˌ f ī
Function: verb
Inflected Form: -fied ; -fy · ing
Etymology: Middle English mortifien, from Anglo-French mortifier, from Late Latin mortificare, from Latin mort-, mors
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 obsolete : to destroy the strength, vitality, or functioning of
2 : to subdue or deaden (as the body or bodily appetites) especially by abstinence or self-inflicted pain or discomfort
3 : to subject to severe and vexing embarrassment : SHAME
intransitive verb
1 : to practice mortification
2 : to become necrotic or gangrenous