martyrdom

noun

mar·​tyr·​dom ˈmär-tər-dəm 

1

: the suffering of death on account of adherence to a cause and especially to one's religious faith

… defended moral truth even to the point of enduring martyrdom …

—Andrew Sullivan

2

: affliction, torture

Examples of martyrdom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The heavy chiaroscuro is as likely to illuminate your martyrdom as your glory. —Jason Farago, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025

Unlearning martyrdom can be unsettling that way—but necessary. —Chella Man, Time, 31 Mar. 2025

Oh mother, in a new dress Celebrate my martyrdom. —Jawad Rizkallah, NPR, 5 Mar. 2025

Dress me in the robe of martyrdom and send me off in honor. —Jawad Rizkallah, NPR, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

martyrdom

noun

mar·​tyr·​dom ˈmärt-ərd-əm 

1

: the sufferings and death of a martyr

2

: torment entry 1 sense 1