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 tr to preserve (an outdated idea, institution, etc) while making lifeless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

Permafrost, earth that remains frozen year-round, can also mummify.

From National Geographic

Combining cold and dry conditions can mummify bodies even when it’s not consistently chilly enough to keep a body frozen year-round.

From National Geographic

Scientists explain how environments ranging from bogs to icy mountaintops can stave off decay and—with a bit of luck—mummify bodies.

From National Geographic

A type of moss often found in bogs also helps mummify bodies, Mulhall adds.

From National Geographic

This helps mummify corpses—though sphagnan also leaches the calcium out of bones, weakening them.

From National Geographic