Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Mortify \Mor"ti*fy\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Mortified}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Mortifying}.] [OE. mortifien, F. mortifier, fr. L.
   mortificare; L. mors, mortis, death + -ficare (in comp.) to
   make. See {Mortal}, and {-fy}.]
   1. To destroy the organic texture and vital functions of; to
      produce gangrene in.

   2. To destroy the active powers or essential qualities of; to
      change by chemical action. [Obs.] --Chaucer.

            Quicksilver is mortified with turpentine. --Bacon.

            He mortified pearls in vinegar.       --Hakewill.

   3. To deaden by religious or other discipline, as the carnal
      affections, bodily appetites, or worldly desires; to bring
      into subjection; to abase; to humble.

            With fasting mortified, worn out with tears.
                                                  --Harte.

            Mortify thy learned lust.             --Prior.

            Mortify, rherefore, your members which are upon the
            earth.                                --Col. iii. 5.

   4. To affect with vexation, chagrin, or humiliation; to
      humble; to depress.

            The news of the fatal battle of Worcester, which
            exceedingly mortified our expectations. --Evelyn.

            How often is the ambitious man mortified with the
            very praises he receives, if they do not rise so
            high as he thinks they ought!         --Addison.

Mortifying \Mor"ti*fy`ing\, a.
   1. Tending to mortify; affected by, or having symptoms of,
      mortification; as, a mortifying wound; mortifying flesh.

   2. Subduing the appetites, desires, etc.; as, mortifying
      penances.

   3. Tending to humble or abase; humiliating; as, a mortifying
      repulse.

Source : WordNet®

mortifying
     adj 1: causing to feel shame or chagrin or vexation; "the
            embarrassing moment when she found her petticoat down
            around her ankles"; "it was mortifying to know he had
            heard every word" [syn: {embarrassing}]
     2: causing awareness of your shortcomings; "golf is a humbling
        game" [syn: {demeaning}, {humbling}, {humiliating}]