mortify

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mortify" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of causing someone to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated. Example: "She was mortified when she realized she had been speaking with spinach stuck in her teeth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The tone is taken partly from those "Attention, shoppers" announcements heard in supermarkets; instead of flocking to the produce aisle, these "ghosts," literally "mortified" by having been murdered, are summoned to metaphorically "mortify" this cartoonish dolt.

The New Yorker

The usual procedure for obtaining spirit help was to undertake a vision quest, in which a person would go to some lonely spot to fast and beg for aid; men might also mortify the flesh, though women usually did not.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In every ancient culture," she went on, "there are rituals to mortify the body as a way of understanding that the energy of the soul is indestructible.

The New Yorker

Contrive fiendishly cruel and resourceful ways to mortify them.

The New Yorker

(And by mortify, dear ghosts, I mean scare the snot out of him).

The New Yorker

Talbot's article points out some obvious problems with a negative, "mortify the flesh" view of human sexuality.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

It was a mortifying moment, made more mortifying because Robin Williams valiantly tried to salvage her mistake by leaping on stage and having the sort of multi-part conversation with himself that you'd normally expect to hear from red-eyed lunatics at bus stops at 3am.

The Guardian - Film

Turner needed Mrs Booth's sweetness in later life, when his work was subjected to mortifying hostility.

The Guardian - Film

It was mortifying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For example, in the "Nudge" scheme, signs on men's and women's restrooms would count as paternalistic "choice architecture" simply because they structure choices in a way that helps us do what's best by our own lights—in this case, not mortifying ourselves barging into the wrong restroom.

The Economist

All the more mortifying for Pakistan is that in March India was declared polio-free.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mortify", consider the intensity of the embarrassment or humiliation you wish to convey. It often implies a deep sense of shame or wounded pride.

Common error

Avoid using "mortify" in situations where simple embarrassment is more appropriate. Using it too often can dilute its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mortify" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. It describes the act of causing someone to feel extremely embarrassed or ashamed. As Ludwig AI points out, the examples show how different sources utilize the word in various contexts, enhancing understanding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The verb "mortify" is used to describe the act of causing intense feelings of embarrassment or shame. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. While not as common as "embarrass", "mortify" implies a deeper wound to one's pride. When writing, consider the intensity you want to convey; "mortify" is most effective when the situation warrants a strong sense of humiliation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

humiliate

Focuses on the act of lowering someone's dignity or self-respect.

embarrass

Emphasizes causing someone to feel awkward or self-conscious.

shame

Highlights the feeling of guilt or disgrace.

abase

Suggests a more forceful or degrading act of lowering someone's position or status.

chagrin

Implies a feeling of annoyance or distress at having failed or been humiliated.

subdue

Refers to bringing something under control, often desires or passions.

discipline

Implies controlling one's appetites or desires.

macerate

Refers to softening or weakening by soaking or steeping, often in a figurative sense of suppressing desires.

necrose

Specifies the death of living tissue, relating to the original meaning of "mortify".

gangrene

Indicates the decay of body tissue due to a loss of blood supply, also related to the original meaning of "mortify".

FAQs

How can I use "mortify" in a sentence?

You can use "mortify" to describe the act of causing someone to feel deeply embarrassed or humiliated. For instance, "She was mortified when she realized she had mispronounced his name."

What are some synonyms for "mortify"?

Alternatives for "mortify" include "humiliate", "embarrass", and "shame". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "mortify" and "embarrass"?

"Mortify" suggests a deeper level of humiliation and shame than "embarrass". While embarrassment can be a mild feeling of awkwardness, "mortify" implies a more profound injury to one's pride or dignity.

Can "mortify" be used in a positive context?

No, "mortify" generally carries a negative connotation. It describes causing or experiencing a negative emotional state, specifically deep shame or humiliation. In a more archaic sense, it can also refer to subduing bodily desires.