From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Mortification \Mor`ti*fi*ca"tion\, n. [F., fr. L. mortificatio a
killing. See {Mortify}.]
1. 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,
abstinence, or painful severities inflicted on the
body.
[1913 Webster]
The mortification of our lusts has something in
it that is troublesome, yet nothing that is
unreasonable. --Tillotson.
[1913 Webster]
2. Deep humiliation or shame, from a loss of pride; painful
embarassment, usually arising from exposure of a mistake;
chagrin; vexation.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
3. That which mortifies; the cause of humiliation, chagrin,
or vexation.
[1913 Webster]
It is one of the vexatious mortifications of a
studious man to have his thoughts discovered by a
tedious visit. --L'Estrange.
[1913 Webster]
4. (Scots Law) A gift to some charitable or religious
institution; -- nearly synonymous with {mortmain}.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Chagrin; vexation; shame. See {Chagrin}.
[1913 Webster]
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
mortification
n 1: strong feelings of embarrassment [syn: {chagrin},
{humiliation}, {mortification}]
2: the localized death of living cells (as from infection or the
interruption of blood supply) [syn: {necrosis},
{mortification}, {gangrene}, {sphacelus}]
3: an instance in which you are caused to lose your prestige or
self-respect; "he had to undergo one humiliation after
another" [syn: {humiliation}, {mortification}]
4: (Christianity) the act of mortifying the lusts of the flesh
by self-denial and privation (especially by bodily pain or
discomfort inflicted on yourself)
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