martyrdom

[ mahr-ter-duhm ]

noun

1. the condition, sufferings, or death of a martyr.
2. extreme suffering; torment.

ˈmartyrdom

/ ˈmɑːtədəm /

noun

1. the sufferings or death of a martyr
2. great suffering or torment

Word History and Origins

Origin of martyrdom¹

First recorded before 900; martyr + -dom

Example Sentences

They are further proof of the politicization of the justice system and Trump’s own martyrdom.

From Slate

Tehran said it had attacked Israel in retaliation for what it called the "violation of Iran’s sovereignty and the martyrdom" of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed by an explosion in Tehran in July that Iranian officials blamed on Israel, but Israeli officials did not claim responsibility.

From BBC

Nabatieh, once a noisy, compact city of 120,000, famous for the market and its yearly 10-day gathering for Ashura — when Shiite Muslims commemorate the 7th century martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson — is now ghostly quiet.

From Los Angeles Times

In it, he hailed the slain leader’s “martyrdom,” saying it would “only increase the strength and resolve” of Hamas.

From Los Angeles Times

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced five days of mourning in Iran in response to what he called the "martyrdom of the great Nasrallah", describing him as "a path and a school of thought" that would continue.

From BBC

Related Words

• persecution