martyr

//ˈmɑːr.tər//
B2Frequency Level 10Neutral
Visual representation of martyr

Noun

martyrSingular
martyrsPlural
1

A person who is killed or suffers greatly for their religious or political beliefs.

She became a martyr for her religious beliefs.

2

A person who displays or exaggerates their suffering to gain sympathy or admiration.

Stop being such a martyr and just ask for help.

3

A person who suffers constantly from a particular ailment or condition.

She's been a martyr to migraines for years.

Verb

martyredPast tense
martyredPast participle
martyringPresent participle
martyrsThird-person singular
1

To kill someone because of their beliefs; to make a martyr of someone.

The religious leader was martyred for his beliefs.

2

To cause someone to suffer greatly.

She was martyred by constant headaches throughout her life.

Synonym