n. The act of mortifying, or the condition of being mortified.n. The act of subduing the passions and appetites by penance, abstinence, or painful severities infiicted on the body; a severe penance.n. Humiliation; vexation; the state of being humbled or depressed, as by disappointment or vexation; chagrin.n. (d ) In chem. and metallurgy, the destruction of active qualities (now called sickening both in the United States and in Australia, with especial reference to quicksilver and amalgamation).n. In Scots law, the act of disposing of lands for religious or charitable purposes.n. That which mortifies; a cause of chagrin, humiliation, or vexation.n. In Scots law, lands given formerly to the church for religious purposes, or since the Reformation for charitable or public uses.n. Synonyms Vexation, Chagrin, Mortification. These words advance in strength of meaning, as to both cause and effect. Vexation is a comparatively petty feeling, produced by small but annoying or irritating disappointments, slights, etc. Chagrin is acute disappointment and humiliation, perhaps after confident expectation. Mortification is chagrin so great as to seem a death to one's pride or self-respect. See tease and anger.