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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.

"With the martyrdom of the supreme leader, his path and mission neither will be lost nor will be forgotten, on the other hand, they will be pursued with greater vigour and zeal," a presenter said.

From Barron's • Mar. 1, 2026

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

From Salon • Feb. 4, 2026

A Shiite cleric, he lives frugally and was brought up in a religious tradition that reveres martyrdom.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

In this triptych, Marat’s martyrdom is a muted centerpiece between grand hope and grander disaster.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 21, 2025

Any serious politician will realize that under present day conditions in the country, to seek for cheap martyrdom by handing myself to the police is naive and criminal.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela