noun
Uncommon
martyr
MAH-tuh
Martyr (noun) means a person who is killed or made to suffer greatly because of their beliefs, especially religious or political ones. Example: “The statue honors martyrs who died for the cause of independence.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- martyrs
- Third person singular
- martyrs
- Past tense
- martyred
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “martyr” mean?
The word “martyr” means a person who is killed or made to suffer greatly because of their beliefs, especially religious or political ones. In plain terms, someone who suffers or dies for a belief or cause — or, informally, someone who acts like they're suffering to get sympathy.
How do you pronounce “martyr”?
“Martyr” is pronounced MAH-tuh (/ˈmɑɹ.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “martyr” in a sentence?
Here is “martyr” used in a sentence: “The statue honors martyrs who died for the cause of independence.”
What is another word for “martyr”?
Words with a similar meaning to “martyr” include martyrize.
What is the opposite of “martyr”?
The opposite of “martyr” — its antonyms — are apostate and confessor.
What part of speech is “martyr”?
Depending on how it is used, “martyr” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “martyr” come from?
The word “martyr” comes from Greek. From Greek martys, meaning "witness" — someone who bears witness to their faith through suffering or death.
Is “martyr” a common word?
“Martyr” is an uncommon word in modern English.
