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Definitions

martyrdom

[mahr-ter-duhm] / ˈmɑr tər dəm /
NOUN
suffering endured for sake of a cause
Synonyms
STRONGEST
persecution
STRONG
affliction agony anguish crucifixion devotion distress mortification ordeal pain sacrifice self-sacrifice torment torture unselfishness
WEAK
agonizing self-immolation
Antonyms
STRONG
comfort contentment happiness health joy pleasure relief
WEAK
satisfaction

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mojtaba Khamanei said in his message he had seen the late ayatollah's corpse after his "martyrdom".

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

The Islamic Republic and Shia Islam are imbued with the idea of martyrdom.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

Around 5:00 am on Sunday, Iranian state TV announced Khamenei's death, saying he had "fulfilled his lifelong dream" of martyrdom.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

Motherhood’s long association with martyrdom is a real turn-off.

From Salon • Feb. 4, 2026

I have long relied on the comforts of martyrdom.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.