martyrdom
n. uncountablen. the death or suffering of someone who is killed because of their religious or political beliefs. It can also describe someone who acts like a victim to get sympathy from others.
n. the suffering or death of a person who refuses to renounce a belief or cause. In a psychological or social context, it refers to the display of exaggerated suffering to elicit sympathy or manipulate others.
The leader's martyrdom inspired his followers to continue the fight.
Historians often study how the martyrdom of early religious figures helped spread their faith across different continents.
The politician's constant complaints about minor inconveniences were seen as a form of self-imposed martyrdom designed to distract from his policy failures.
From Middle English martyrdome, martirdom, marterdom, from Old English martyrdōm (“martyrdom”), corresponding to martyr + -dom. Cognate with German Märtyrertum (“martyrdom”), Danish martyrdom (“martyrdom”), Swedish martyrdom (“martyrdom”), Norwegian martyrdom (“martyrdom”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Uncountable in its abstract sense; can be used with 'of' to specify the victim.
Last updated May 8, 2026