plural martyrs
1
: a person who is killed or who suffers greatly for a religion, cause, etc.
the early Christian martyrs
They know that killing him will only make a martyr out of him. [=will make him someone who is admired as a hero for having suffered or died for a cause]
—sometimes + toHe was a martyr to a noble cause. [=he died or suffered for a noble cause]
2
disapproving
: a person who pretends to suffer or who exaggerates suffering in order to get praise or sympathy
He enjoys playing the martyr. [=he enjoys acting like someone who deserves admiration or sympathy because of being badly treated]
3
: a person who suffers greatly from something (such as an illness)
—+ to
a martyr to rheumatism
martyrs; martyred; martyring
: to kill (someone) for refusing to give up a belief or cause
—usually used as (be) martyred
He was martyred for his religious beliefs.
Cite this Entry
“Martyr.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/martyr. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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