Mortified

Mortified describes a state of being deeply embarrassed, ashamed, or humiliated. It signifies a strong emotional reaction to something that causes a loss of self-respect or dignity, often involving a sense of exposure or vulnerability. The feeling can range from mild discomfort to profound distress, and it typically stems from perceived social blunders, failures, or situations where one feels judged or ridiculed. The core of mortification lies in the feeling of being diminished or lowered in the eyes of oneself and others, resulting in a desire to disappear or escape the embarrassing situation. This feeling is often accompanied by physiological responses like blushing, trembling, or a racing heart. It goes beyond mere embarrassment, involving a more intense and lasting sense of self-consciousness and shame, often rooted in perceived inadequacy or foolishness. The experience can be very painful, and the memory of the mortifying event can linger long after the situation has passed.

Mortified meaning with examples

• After accidentally calling the teacher 'mom' in front of the entire class, Sarah was completely mortified. The laughter of her classmates and the teacher's raised eyebrow sent a wave of embarrassment through her. She wished she could vanish, the humiliation consuming her as the moment stretched on.
• John was mortified when his shoelaces came undone while he was giving a presentation. Tripping over the shoelaces would be a further embarrassment. He desperately tried to fix them under the lectern, aware of everyone watching and the impending disaster, his face burning with shame.
• Being caught singing opera in the shower by his visiting in-laws, David was mortified. He froze, unsure how to react to the laughter and surprised expressions. The unexpected encounter left him red-faced and wishing he'd remained quiet. His confidence took a major blow.
• Following the disastrous first date where he spilled spaghetti on his date, Mark was mortified. He replayed the scene in his mind, cringing at his clumsiness and social faux pas. He feared he had ruined his chances of a second date due to this cringe-worthy accident.
• When the email, meant for his wife, accidentally went to the whole office, Bob was mortified. The private message exposed sensitive aspects of his personal life, he felt his professional reputation hanging by a thread. The incident left him in a state of deep shame and anxiety.