Definition of martyr
(Entry 1 of 2)
1 : a person who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty of witnessing to and refusing to renounce a religion
2 : a person who sacrifices something of great value and especially life itself for the sake of principle
a martyr to the cause of freedom
martyr
verbmartyred; martyring; martyrs
Definition of martyr (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : to put to death for adhering to a belief, faith, or profession
2 : to inflict agonizing pain on : torture
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Time Traveler for martyr
The first known use of martyr was before the 12th century
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