Webster's English Dictionary

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mortify

mor.ti.fy \'mo.rt-*-.fi-\ vb [ME mortifien, fr. MF mortifier, fr. LL 
   mortificare, fr. L Xmort-, mors obs  1: to destroy the strength, vitality, 
   or functioning of  2: to subdue or deaden (as the body or bodily appetites) 
   esp. by abstinenc e or self-inflicted pain or discomfort 3: to subject to 
   humiliation or shame  1: to practice mortification  2: to become necrotic 
   or gangrenous