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

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

Scribes in medieval Europe called the meteor shower “the tears of St. Lawrence” because the streaks in the sky fell on the anniversary of St. Lawrence’s martyrdom.

From Los Angeles Times

As the funeral prayers concluded, the talk among mourners was of “martyrdom” not death, and of readiness for war, if it comes.

From BBC

His “movement, renaissance, jihad and martyrdom,” he said, “made a great contribution to the continuity of the authentic Islam of Muhammad. … He faced tyranny and had an impact on instituting change.”

From Salon

Related Words

• persecution