Definition of: mortification

(môr′tə·fə·kā′shən) noun
1. The state of being humbled or depressed by disappointment or chagrin.
2. Pathol. The death of one part of an animal body, as from gangrene, while the rest is still alive.
3. In religion, the act of subduing the passions and appetites by fasting, penance, or painful severities inflicted on the body.
4. That which mortifies or causes humiliation. See synonyms under CHAGRIN. [<LL mortificatio, -onis]