\Mor"ti*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Mortified}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Mortifying}.] [OE. mortifien, F. mortifier, fr. L.
mortificare; L. mors, mortis, death + -ficare (in comp.) to
make. See {Mortal}, and {-fy}.]
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.
         With fasting mortified, worn out with tears.
                                               --Harte.
         Mortify thy learned lust.             --Prior.
         Mortify, rherefore, your members which are upon the
         earth.                                --Col. iii. 5.
4. To affect with vexation, chagrin, or humiliation; to
   humble; 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\, v. 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.