mortifying Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb practice self-denial of one's body and appetites
    mortify.
  2. verb hold within limits and control
    crucify; subdue; mortify.
    • subdue one's appetites
    • mortify the flesh
  3. verb cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
    abase; chagrin; mortify; humble; humiliate.
    • He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss
  4. verb undergo necrosis
    necrose; gangrene; sphacelate; mortify.
    • the tissue around the wound necrosed
  5. adjective satellite causing to feel shame or chagrin or vexation
    embarrassing.
    • the embarrassing moment when she found her petticoat down around her ankles
    • it was mortifying to know he had heard every word
  6. adjective satellite causing awareness of your shortcomings
    humbling; humiliating; demeaning.
    • golf is a humbling game

WordNet

Mor"ti*fy`ing adjective
Definitions
  1. Tending to mortify; affected by, or having symptoms of, mortification; as, a mortifying wound; mortifying flesh.
  2. Subduing the appetites, desires, etc.; as, mortifying penances.
  3. Tending to humble or abase; humiliating; as, a mortifying repulse.

Webster 1913