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.

Many accepted martyrdom rather than compromise their faith.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

More clear-eyed now, Jean must reject her martyrdom and reclaim her own truth and agency.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

A couple of hours earlier he had messaged his mother "I chose the path of martyrdom", the prosecution said.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Ali, a masked protester, told AFP "the martyrdom of Sayyed Ali Khamenei has hurt us".

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

I have long relied on the comforts of martyrdom.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Vocabulary lists containing martyrdom

"Musée des Beaux Arts" by W.H. Auden

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"Musee des Beaux Arts," Vocabulary from the poem

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Poems 10.4

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