Definition

A person who is the first to die for a particular cause, especially in a religious context, often referring to Saint Stephen as the first Christian martyr.

Example

Saint Stephen is recognized as the protomartyr of Christianity.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term protomartyr?

Yeah, isn't that related to the first person who died for a cause?

Exactly! It often refers to Saint Stephen in Christianity.

That's interesting; I didn't know he was considered a protomartyr.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Protomartyr is formed from "proto-" (meaning first) and "martyr" (from Greek "martus", meaning witness). The term refers to the first person to be martyred for their faith, thus a 'first witness' in the context of martyrdom.

Memory Tip

Think of 'proto-' meaning first, and 'martyr' meaning witness. This helps you remember that a protomartyr is the first witness to suffer for their beliefs.

Visually Confused Words