Mortification
/ˌmɔː.tɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/noun
The process of subduing one's bodily desires or passions, often through self-denial or discipline.
Did you know?In medieval times, mortification was often a spiritual practice aimed at achieving divine favor through suffering and self-discipline, echoing ancient beliefs in the power of sacrifice.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mr̥tós
“dead, dying”
Latin
Latin
mortificatio
“the act of causing death or dying, often in a figurative sense of self-denial”
Late Latin
Late Latin
mortificare
“to kill, to subdue, particularly in a spiritual context”
Old French
Old French
mortification
“the act of making dead or causing death, often in a metaphorical sense”
14th Century
Middle English
mortificacioun
“the act of subduing the flesh or passions, often referenced in religious texts”
Modern English
English
mortification
“the process of inflicting pain on oneself for spiritual or religious purposes, or a sense of embarrassment or shame”