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mortify

verb

/mɔːʳtɪfaɪ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of mortify

To cause extreme embarrassment, shame, or humiliation to oneself or someone else.
"His lack of respect for his parents continues to mortify me."

Detailed meaning of mortify

When someone is mortified, they experience a profound sense of humiliation, often due to a public or deeply embarrassing incident or revelation. It involves feelings of intense shame or embarrassment that can be triggered by personal mistakes, failures, or socially inappropriate actions. To mortify oneself is to subject oneself to self-inflicted humiliation or embarrassment, typically as an act of self-punishment or self-denial. The feeling of mortification can arise from situations where one's dignity, reputation, or social standing is compromised or undermined. It often leads to a sense of deep discomfort, self-consciousness, or regret. The experience of being mortified can impact one's self-esteem, confidence, and social interactions, as individuals may feel a lingering sense of embarrassment even after the incident has passed.

Example sentences containing mortify

1. Such a degree of apathy towards the suffering of others will mortify a compassionate heart.
2. The sight of the abandoned puppies in the freezing weather will mortify anyone with a heart.
3. It should mortify you to see how much food is wasted daily.
4. He promised that the truth would eventually come out and it would mortify her.
5. Witnessing such environmental destruction will mortify future generations.
6. Her flippant attitude towards her studies will mortify her parents.

History and etymology of mortify

The verb 'mortify' has its roots in the Latin word 'mortificare,' which is a combination of 'mors,' meaning 'death,' and 'facere,' meaning 'to make' or 'to do.' Originally, in a religious and spiritual context, 'mortify' meant 'to subdue' or 'to suppress' one's worldly desires or sinful impulses, as if putting them to 'death.' Over time, the word's meaning shifted to include the idea of causing extreme embarrassment, shame, or humiliation to oneself or someone else. This evolution in meaning reflects the concept that certain actions or behaviors can metaphorically 'kill' one's social reputation or self-esteem, resulting in feelings of deep embarrassment or shame. The etymology of 'mortify' thus underscores the historical connection between the suppression of desires and the emotional impact of actions that lead to humiliation or embarrassment.

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Further usage examples of mortify

1. His reckless driving habits will surely mortify anyone on the road with him.
2. The ignorance displayed in his comments would mortify any well-informed individual.
3. Such a disorganized office space would mortify a meticulous person.
4. His lack of preparation for the crucial meeting will surely mortify his team.
5. It would mortify any athlete to watch their rival win due to their own careless mistake.
6. Neglecting to respect local customs when traveling will mortify considerate tourists.
7. His failure to deliver on his promises continues to mortify his supporters.
8. The uncaring attitude shown towards our planet will mortify environmentalists.
9. Disparaging remarks about others will surely mortify any respectful individual.
10. Such rampant inequality will mortify any believer in social justice.
11. The way we casually waste water would mortify communities who lack access to it.
12. His unkind remarks about her outfit will mortify anyone with a sense of decency.
13. She accidentally called her teacher "mom" and was mortified.
14. His failed attempt at a joke left him mortified in front of his colleagues.
15. The embarrassing fall in the cafeteria mortified him beyond words.
16. Revealing his secret crush on live TV mortified him completely.
17. Sending the email to the wrong recipient mortified her professionally.
18. He couldn't forget the time he tripped on stage; it mortified him.
19. Mispronouncing the CEO's name during the presentation mortified her.
20. She hoped her dress wouldn't malfunction and mortify her at the gala.
21. Forgetting the lyrics in the middle of the song mortified the singer.
22. The autocorrect blunder in his text message mortified him.
23. Her accidental public display of anger mortified her coworkers.
24. Admitting his mistake in front of the team mortified him deeply.