self-mortification: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Religious
Quick answer
What does “self-mortification” mean?
The act of causing oneself physical or psychological pain, discomfort, or deprivation, often as a form of religious penance or spiritual discipline.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of causing oneself physical or psychological pain, discomfort, or deprivation, often as a form of religious penance or spiritual discipline.
Any severe discipline or denial of one's own desires, comforts, or needs, undertaken for moral, spiritual, or personal improvement, or as an expression of guilt or remorse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The concept is equally understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be associated with historical Catholic practices in British English, though the term is used broadly in both.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday language in both regions. More likely found in religious, historical, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “self-mortification” in a Sentence
[Subject] practices/engages in/undertakes self-mortification.Self-mortification [verb] as a means of...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-mortification” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hermit would self-mortify by wearing a hair shirt.
- They believed in mortifying the flesh.
American English
- The ascetic practiced self-mortifying rituals.
- He mortified himself through fasting.
adverb
British English
- He lived self-mortifyingly in the cave.
- [Extremely rare usage]
American English
- [Extremely rare usage; not standard]
adjective
British English
- His self-mortificatory practices were extreme.
- A life of self-mortifying discipline.
American English
- She followed a self-mortification regimen.
- The self-mortifying acts were documented.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, history, psychology, and literature to discuss ascetic practices.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound highly formal or dramatic.
Technical
Specific term in religious anthropology and history of religion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-mortification”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-mortification”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-mortification”
- Using it to mean simple embarrassment (which is just 'mortification').
- Using it in casual contexts (e.g., 'My self-mortification for eating cake' is too strong).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Mortification' alone can mean embarrassment, but 'self-mortification' specifically refers to the deliberate act of causing oneself suffering or discomfort.
Yes, while often physical, it can refer to severe psychological self-denial or punishment, such as forcing oneself to dwell on guilt.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word used primarily in religious, historical, or literary discussions.
Self-discipline is neutral or positive control of one's behaviour. Self-mortification implies a much more severe, often painful, denial intended for penance or spiritual transcendence.
The act of causing oneself physical or psychological pain, discomfort, or deprivation, often as a form of religious penance or spiritual discipline.
Self-mortification is usually formal, literary, religious in register.
Self-mortification: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself ˌmɔːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself ˌmɔːrtɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly use this term. It is itself a formal compound.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MEDIEVAL MONK (self) causing MORTAL-like discomfort (mortification) to himself.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS AN ENEMY TO BE SUBDUED. PURITY IS PAIN. SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS PHYSICAL SUFFERING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'self-mortification' MOST appropriately used?