martyr: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary, Historical, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “martyr” mean?
A person who is killed or made to suffer greatly because of their beliefs, especially religious or political ones.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is killed or made to suffer greatly because of their beliefs, especially religious or political ones.
A person who exaggerates or manufactures their suffering or hardships to gain sympathy or attention; also, a person who suffers persistently from a specified ailment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal differences in core meaning. The figurative/derogatory sense ('to play the martyr') is common in both. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Equally strong religious/historical connotations in both. In political discourse, often used with comparable gravity.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Slightly more common in British news/media due to historical/parliamentary context referencing historical figures (e.g., martyrs of the Reformation).
Grammar
How to Use “martyr” in a Sentence
N (as martyr)V (to martyr sb)ADJ (martyr complex)PP (martyr to sth - e.g., 'a martyr to arthritis')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “martyr” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Early Christians were often martyred for refusing to renounce their faith.
- The tyrant sought to martyr his opponents to make them symbols of resistance.
American English
- She felt her boss was martyring her by giving her all the worst assignments. (figurative, informal)
- The revolutionary leader was martyred by the regime in 1962.
adverb
British English
- 'I'll do it myself, then,' she said martyrishly.
- He accepted the extra work martyrly, without complaint.
American English
- He sighed martyredly as he cleared the table.
- (Note: Adverbial forms are rare and often stylistically marked or humorous.)
adjective
British English
- He had a rather martyr-like attitude about doing the washing-up.
- The martyr complex she exhibited was quite draining for her friends.
American English
- She gave me a martyred sigh before agreeing to help.
- His martyr attitude at work isn't winning him any sympathy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in hyperbolic criticism: 'He's acting like a martyr because he has to work late.'
Academic
Common in history, theology, political science, and literature to describe individuals killed for beliefs.
Everyday
Used in serious discussion of sacrifice; more commonly in figurative/derogatory sense for someone complaining excessively.
Technical
Specific theological term for one who bears witness to faith unto death. Used in martyrdom studies.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “martyr”
- Incorrect: 'He martyred for his country.' (Correct passive: 'He was martyred for his country.').
- Misspelling: 'martyre', 'martyrer'.
- Overuse in non-serious contexts dilutes its gravity.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but carefully. The core meaning implies death. For a living person, it's often figurative ('a martyr to arthritis') or suggests they are suffering/sacrificing for a cause, not that they have died for it.
A martyr specifically dies or suffers for a belief or cause, emphasizing sacrifice and victimhood. A hero is admired for courage or achievements, which may or may not involve death or suffering. All martyrs can be seen as heroes, but not all heroes are martyrs.
It is less common than the noun and is most frequently used in the passive voice ('was martyred') in historical or religious contexts. Its active use is rarer and more formal.
It is a psychological term (informal) describing a person who persistently seeks suffering or sacrifice, often to gain sympathy, moral high ground, or avoid responsibility, and may exaggerate their burdens.
A person who is killed or made to suffer greatly because of their beliefs, especially religious or political ones.
Martyr is usually formal, literary, historical, figurative in register.
Martyr: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːtə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːrtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make a martyr of oneself”
- “play the martyr”
- “a martyr to fashion/arthritis etc.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MARTYR' as 'MART' (market) where someone sacrifices ('-YR') themselves for an idea. Or, remember: "Many Are Ready To Yield, Rarely."
Conceptual Metaphor
SACRIFICE IS A TESTAMENT; SUFFERING FOR BELIEFS IS A PATH TO PURITY/GLORY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'martyr' used figuratively and negatively?