martyrdom

noun

mar·​tyr·​dom ˈmär-tər-dəm How to pronounce martyrdom (audio)
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 martyrdomAndrew Sullivan
2

Examples of martyrdom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The moving documentary underscored themes of pro-democracy strength, power in truth, pride in martyrdom, and fortitude. Zachary Schwartz, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025 There’s little about it that’s audience-friendly, including its ending, which can be read as a nihilistic downer or a cathartic act of martyrdom, depending on the viewer’s sensibilities. Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 14 Jan. 2025 Their books’ fantasies of martyrdom and religious metaphysics are a feint so as not to recognize the need for socialism at home and abroad, and to obscure American stupidity. Mark Greif, Harper's Magazine, 26 July 2024 How have killing, destruction, and martyrdom become almost acceptable? Ben Croll, Variety, 7 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for martyrdom 

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of martyrdom was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near martyrdom

Cite this Entry

“Martyrdom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/martyrdom. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

martyrdom

noun
mar·​tyr·​dom ˈmärt-ərd-əm How to pronounce martyrdom (audio)
1
: the sufferings and death of a martyr
2
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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