martyrize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “martyrize” mean?
To make a martyr of someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make a martyr of someone; to torture or persecute someone, especially for their beliefs.
To cause severe suffering or torment, often for an extended period; to portray oneself or another as a victim for sympathy.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Both regions prefer 'martyr' as a verb in everyday language.
Connotations
Equally archaic and formal in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora; largely replaced by 'martyr'.
Grammar
How to Use “martyrize” in a Sentence
[Subject] martyrizes [Object] (for [Reason])[Subject] is martyrized by [Agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “martyrize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The regime sought to martyrize the peaceful protestors to deter further dissent.
- In her memoir, she felt the press had attempted to martyrize her for publicity.
American English
- The dictator's goal was to martyrize his political opponents, making examples of them.
- He warned the group not to martyrize themselves over a minor policy disagreement.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form.
American English
- No standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form. 'Martyred' is used.
American English
- No standard adjective form. 'Martyred' is used.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, or literary criticism discussing persecution narratives.
Everyday
Extremely rare; 'martyr' is used instead.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “martyrize”
- Incorrect: 'He was martyrized by the workload.' (Use 'overwhelmed' or 'burdened').
- Incorrect: 'She martyrizes about her diet.' (Use 'complains' or 'plays the martyr').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in meaning. 'To martyr' is the far more common and modern verb. 'Martyrize' is an archaic, formal variant.
Yes, especially in psychology or criticism, to describe someone casting themselves or another in the role of a perpetual, suffering victim for emotional effect or sympathy.
The related noun is 'martyrdom'. The act of martyrizing someone results in their martyrdom.
No. It is considered very formal and old-fashioned. Use 'persecute', 'torment', or simply 'martyr' (as a verb) instead for clearer communication.
To make a martyr of someone.
Martyrize is usually formal, literary in register.
Martyrize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.tɪ.raɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːr.t̬ə.raɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms feature this verb.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MARTYR' + 'IZE' (to make). To 'martyr-ize' someone is to *make them into a martyr* through suffering.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUFFERING IS A TRANSFORMATIVE PROCESS (into sainthood/victimhood).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'martyrize' MOST appropriately?