noun
martyr
MAH-tuh
noun
1
A person who is killed or made to suffer greatly because of their beliefs, especially religious or political ones.
"The statue honors martyrs who died for the cause of independence."
"Early Christians who refused to renounce their faith were executed as martyrs."
2
Someone who exaggerates their suffering to win sympathy or attention.
"Stop playing the martyr and just ask for help."
verb
1
To kill or persecute someone for their beliefs, or to sacrifice oneself for a cause.
"He was martyred for refusing to recant his views."
How to Use Martyr
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who suffers or dies for a belief or cause — or, informally, someone who acts like they're suffering to get sympathy.
Common mistake
The phrase "make a martyr of yourself" usually implies unnecessary or self-inflicted suffering, often used critically.
Common pairings
die a martyr
play the martyr
martyr's death
Word Forms
martyred past tense, martyrs plural, martyrs singular
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The statue honors _____ who died for the cause of independence.
Etymology
From Greek martys, meaning "witness" — someone who bears witness to their faith through suffering or death.