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Added 9 October 2026

mortify

/ˈmɔːtɪfaɪ/ verb

In Latin: mācerō Wiktionary

verb Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about mortify at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Practice self-denial of one's body and appetites.
Hold within limits and control.
subdue one's appetites
Cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of.
He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss

Origin

From Anglo-Norman mortifier, Middle French mortifier, from Late Latin mortificō (“cause death”), from Latin mors (“death”) + -ficō (“-fy”).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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