verb
mortify
To suppress bodily desires through discipline or self-denial.
The monk fasts to mortify his bodily desires and deepen his devotion.
Etymology
The Latin verb means to put to death. Suppressing bodily desires is figuratively treated as killing their power over a person.
More examples
- Some believers mortify the flesh by giving up physical comforts.
- She mortifies her appetite through fasting and simple meals.
- They practiced self-denial to mortify their craving for rich food.
Forms
mortify · mortifies · mortified · mortifying
mortification noun — Suppression of bodily desires through self-denial.