SELF-MORTIFICATION

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does self-mortification mean? 

• SELF-MORTIFICATION (noun)
  The noun SELF-MORTIFICATION has 1 sense:

1. voluntary self-punishment in order to atone for some wrongdoing

  Familiarity information: SELF-MORTIFICATION used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SELF-MORTIFICATION (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Voluntary self-punishment in order to atone for some wrongdoing

Classified under:

Nouns denoting acts or actions

Synonyms:

penance; self-abasement; self-mortification

Hypernyms ("self-mortification" is a kind of...):

penalisation; penalization; penalty; punishment (the act of punishing)

 Context examples 

Edward remained a week at the cottage; he was earnestly pressed by Mrs. Dashwood to stay longer; but, as if he were bent only on self-mortification, he seemed resolved to be gone when his enjoyment among his friends was at the height.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)