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mortify

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "mortify": To "mortify" someone is to cause them to feel such extreme embarrassment, shame, or humiliation that

What does "mortify" mean?

To "mortify" someone is to cause them to feel such extreme embarrassment, shame, or humiliation that they wish they could disappear. The mental image is of someone "dying" from social discomfort, as the root of the word comes from the Latin *mors* (death). While it can occasionally be used in a religious context to mean subduing one's desires or appetites, in everyday English, it is used to describe intense social awkwardness. It is a strong word, reserved for moments of profound humiliation rather than simple annoyance.

"mortify" in conversation

Accidentally sending a private message to a boss

I accidentally sent that meme about the CEO to the entire company channel.

I accidentally sent that meme about the CEO to the entire company channel.

Oh no, I am absolutely mortified for you.

Oh no, I am absolutely mortified for you.

Used here to express deep sympathy for someone's public embarrassment.

A parent acting out in public

My mom started dancing in the middle of the grocery store aisle.

My mom started dancing in the middle of the grocery store aisle.

I would be mortified if my parent did that.

I would be mortified if my parent did that.

Used to describe a hypothetical reaction to a socially cringe-worthy situation.

"mortify" in a sentence

  1. She was mortified by her own behavior at the party.

    She was mortified by her own behavior at the party.

  2. It mortified him to realize he had been wearing his shirt inside out all day.

    It mortified him to realize he had been wearing his shirt inside out all day.

  3. I was utterly mortified when I realized I had been calling my new professor by the wrong name for an entire semester.

    I was utterly mortified when I realized I had been calling my new professor by the wrong name for an entire semester.

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