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

He posted videos on social media sites, including Instagram and Telegram, that showed jihadists preparing for martyrdom as well as featuring Saudi-born Canadian recruiter Mohammed Khalifa, the court heard.

From BBC

The court was told he had immersed himself in an "extremist Islamic ideology" and went to the hospital to "seek his own martyrdom" through a "murderous terrorist attack".

From BBC

“He was a figure not just for Lebanon, but all the world. When we heard of his martyrdom, all of us were affected.”

From Los Angeles Times

As they have throughout their tenure, Hamas and Hezbollah will use the ongoing conflict to reinforce a cult of martyrdom in an effort to ensure that ideological and religious fervor is transmitted to younger generations.

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

Related Words

• persecution