English vocabulary · C2
Mortify
/ˈmɔːrtɪfaɪ/ · v.
To mortify someone is to make them feel very ashamed. They may wish no one could see them after what went wrong in public.
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Example sentences
- Your old photo could mortify me.
- My laugh might mortify the chef.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- mort — death (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- HUMILIATE — hurt someone's pride (Made to feel small)
- EMBARRASS — make someone feel awkward (Awkward in front of others)
- SHAME — make someone feel bad (A painful bad feeling)
Words with the same root
mort — death
- mortgage — a home loan
- mortal — able to die
- mortuary — a place for the dead
Lesson notes
To mortify someone is to make them feel very ashamed. They may wish no one could see them after what went wrong in public.
Related: humiliate, embarrass, shame. Use mortify when pride feels crushed.
Your old photo could mortify me. My laugh might mortify the chef.
From Latin. Mort- means death. A small death of pride can mortify a very proud guest.