Definition

A person who suffers or dies for their beliefs, especially for their religious faith, or someone who endures great suffering to support a cause or principle.

Example

She was considered a martyr for her unwavering commitment to human rights.

Conversation

Did you hear about that guy who refused to back down for his beliefs?

Yeah, they called him a martyr for standing up to those pressures.

It's crazy how some people are willing to suffer so much for their principles.

I know, it really makes you think about what you're willing to sacrifice.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To cause someone to suffer greatly or to die for their beliefs, often in a religious context.

Example

The regime martyrized many of its opponents to instill fear in the population.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I read a story about someone who was martyred for their beliefs.

Wow, that's really intense. What happened?

They faced a lot of challenges before they were martyred for standing up for what they believed in.

Root Explanation

Martyr comes from the Greek word "martus" (meaning witness). In early Christian contexts, it referred to someone who bore witness to their faith, often at the cost of their life. Thus, a martyr is someone who suffers or dies for their beliefs, particularly in a religious context.

Memory Tip

Think of a witness ('martus') who stands firm in their beliefs, even to the point of suffering or death. This helps you remember that a martyr is someone who sacrifices for their faith.

Visually Confused Words