# martyrdom

/ˈmɑɹtɝdəm/ (US) · /mˈɑːtɪədəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/martyrdom
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. dying for a cause

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the death or suffering of someone who refuses to give up their religious or political beliefs.

For teachers: the death or suffering of a martyr, specifically on account of adherence to a faith, cause, or principle.

- The history books tell stories of his martyrdom for the sake of his country.
- The saint's martyrdom became a powerful symbol of resistance, inspiring generations of followers to maintain their faith despite state persecution.

### 2. extreme suffering

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a state of great pain or suffering that lasts for a long time.

For teachers: a state of extreme suffering, affliction, or torment, often endured over a prolonged period.

- Living with such a painful illness was a slow martyrdom for the old man.
- The poet described his years in exile as a psychological martyrdom, characterized by profound isolation and the loss of his creative voice.

### 3. acting like a victim

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

the behavior of someone who exaggerates their suffering to get sympathy from others.

For teachers: a performative or exaggerated display of suffering intended to elicit sympathy or admiration from others.

- We all got tired of her constant martyrdom whenever she had to do the dishes.
- His constant air of martyrdom was exhausting for his colleagues, who felt he intentionally took on extra work just to complain about it later.

Usage: Often used with the verb 'to play' as in 'playing the martyr'.

Teaching tip: In modern conversation, this sense is often used critically to describe someone who complains about their hard work to make others feel guilty.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.