mortification Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun strong feelings of embarrassment
humiliation; chagrin.
noun the localized death of living cells (as from infection or the interruption of blood supply)
gangrene; necrosis; sphacelus.
noun an instance in which you are caused to lose your prestige or self-respect
humiliation.
- he had to undergo one humiliation after another
noun (Christianity) the act of mortifying the lusts of the flesh by self-denial and privation (especially by bodily pain or discomfort inflicted on yourself)

F., fr. L. mortificatio a killing. See Mortify.

The act of mortifying, or the condition of being mortified; especially: (a) (Med.) The death of one part of an animal body, while the rest continues to live; loss of vitality in some part of a living animal; gangrene. Dunglison. (b) (Alchem. & Old Chem.) Destruction of active qualities; neutralization. Obs. Bacon. (c) Subjection of the passions and appetites, by penance, absistence, or painful severities inflicted on the body.
The mortification of our lusts has something in it that is troublesome, yet nothing that is unreasonable. Tillotson.
(d) Hence: Deprivation or depression of self-approval; abatement or pride; humiliation; chagrin; vexation.
We had the mortification to lose sight of Munich, Augsburg, and Ratisbon. Addison.
That which mortifies; the cause of humiliation, chagrin, or vexation.
It is one of the vexatious mortifications of a studious man to have his thoughts discovered by a tedious visit. L'Estrange.
(Scots Law) A gift to some charitable or religious institution; -- nearly synonymous with mortmain. Syn. -- Chagrin; vexation; shame. See Chagrin.