Definition

To dry up or become shriveled, similar to how a mummy is preserved.

Example

The fruit began to mummify in the hot sun, losing all its moisture.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever seen how fruit can mummify if left out too long?

Yeah, it gets all shriveled and looks weird!

I didn't think it would actually mummify like that.

It’s kind of fascinating, isn’t it? Nature has its own ways.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To preserve a body by treating it with chemicals and wrapping it in cloth, so it does not decay.

Example

The ancient Egyptians would mummify their dead to prepare them for the afterlife.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever heard how ancient Egyptians used to mummify their dead?

Yeah, it's fascinating! They really believed in the afterlife.

I read that they had to remove all the organs to mummify the body properly.

Root Explanation

Mummify → It is formed from "mummy" (from Latin *mumia*, meaning a body preserved by embalming) and "-fy" (meaning to make or cause to be). The word "mummify" means to make a body into a mummy or to preserve it through the process of embalming.

Memory Tip

Think of the process of making a body into a mummy — 'mummy' refers to the preserved body, and '-fy' means to make. This helps you remember that mummify means to preserve a body.

Visually Confused Words