Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Mortification \Mor`ti*fi*ca"tion\, n. [F., fr. L. mortificatio a
   killing. See {Mortify}.]
   1. The act of mortifying, or the condition of being
      mortified; especially:
      (a) (Med.) The death of one part of an animal body, while
          the rest continues to live; loss of vitality in some
          part of a living animal; gangrene. --Dunglison.
      (b) (Alchem. & Old Chem.) Destruction of active qualities;
          neutralization. [Obs.] --Bacon.
      (c) Subjection of the passions and appetites, by penance,
          absistence, or painful severities inflicted on the
          body.

                The mortification of our lusts has something in
                it that is troublesome, yet nothing that is
                unreasonable.                     --Tillotson.
      (d) Hence: Deprivation or depression of self-approval;
          abatement or pride; humiliation; chagrin; vexation.

                We had the mortification to lose sight of
                Munich, Augsburg, and Ratisbon.   --Addison.

   2. That which mortifies; the cause of humiliation, chagrin,
      or vexation.

            It is one of the vexatious mortifications of a
            studious man to have his thoughts discovered by a
            tedious visit.                        --L'Estrange.

   3. (Scots Law) A gift to some charitable or religious
      institution; -- nearly synonymous with mortmain.

   Syn: Chagrin; vexation; shame. See {Chagrin}.

Source : WordNet®

mortification
     n 1: strong feelings of embarrassment [syn: {chagrin}, {humiliation}]
     2: the localized death of living cells (as from infection or
        the interruption of blood supply) [syn: {necrosis}, {gangrene},
         {sphacelus}]
     3: an instance in which you are caused to lose your prestige or
        self-respect; "he had to undergo one humiliation after
        another" [syn: {humiliation}]
     4: (Christianity) the act of mortifying the lusts of the flesh
        by self-denial and privation (especially by bodily pain or
        discomfort inflicted on yourself)