martyr

verb

martyred; martyring; martyrs

transitive verb

1

: to put to death for adhering to a belief, faith, or profession

martyred for fighting for justice

2

: to inflict agonizing pain on : torture

Examples of martyr in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

She was martyred and mortified and endured and rose again in the eyes of the people. —Literary Hub, 14 Apr. 2026

So did the entire first generation of Christians, many of whom were martyred. —Case Thorp, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026

One of our colleagues has been martyred. —CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026

Porter need not be martyred like Good and Pretti. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing martyr

• play the martyr

Rhymes for martyr

• arter
• barter
• charter
• darter
• garter
• smarter
• starter
• tartar

Kids Definition

martyr

1 of 2 noun

mar·​tyr ˈmärt-ər 

1

: a person who suffers death rather than give up his or her religion

2

: one who sacrifices life or something of great value for a principle or cause

3

: a person who suffers greatly

martyr

2 of 2 verb

1

: to put to death for refusing to give up a belief

2

: torture entry 2