mummify

[ muhm-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, mum·mi·fied, mum·mi·fy·ing.

1. to make (a dead body) into a mummy, as by embalming and drying.
2. to make (something) resemble a mummy; dry or shrivel up:

   The dead lizard was mummified by the hot desert air.

3. to preserve (an idea, institution, custom, etc.) that may have outlived its usefulness or relevance:

   Those mummified customs have no place in society today.

verb (used without object)

, mum·mi·fied, mum·mi·fy·ing.

1. to dry or shrivel up.

mummify

/ ˈmʌmɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. tr to preserve the body of (a human or animal) as a mummy
2. intr to dry up; shrivel
3. tr to preserve (an outdated idea, institution, etc) while making lifeless

Derived Forms

• ˌmummifiˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• mummi·fi·cation noun
• half-mummi·fied adjective
• un·mummi·fied adjective
• un·mummi·fying adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mummify¹

First recorded in 1620–30; mummy ¹ + -fy

Example Sentences

They mummify the victim, as it were, and tuck him away for the morrow.

From Project Gutenberg

They mummify before decay sets in and turn into a leathery brown, similar to the mummies of Egypt.

From Project Gutenberg