martyrdom
[mahr-ter-duh m]
- the condition, sufferings, or death of a martyr.
- extreme suffering; torment.
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Origin of martyrdom
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
persecution, pain, distress, torture, agony, sacrifice, ordeal, torment, affliction, crucifixion, mortification, anguish, devotion, self-sacrifice, agonizing, self-immolationExamples from the Web for martyrdom
Contemporary Examples
“This is a shahid [martyrdom] operation and we are going to fight until we die,” the man in the video said.
He told the news channel he awaits death with joy and that martyrdom is the greatest reward.
So much for hungering for martyrdom and all those virgins waiting in paradise.
Potential recruits are told their main role in the Islamic revolution will be through matrimony and childbearing, not martyrdom.
Martyrdom, in this context, being defined as “mockery, slander, ostracism.”
Historical Examples
His martyrdom was continued by forbidding him all access to the healing waters.
The Secret AgentJoseph Conrad
For weeks and months I live my life of martyrdom without complaint.
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
You must not say that you gave your life to your cause and were ready for martyrdom!
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
His wife was obliged to run away to escape from her martyrdom.
The Sexual QuestionAugust Forel
Of precocious nature, she endured her martyrdom with extraordinary fortitude.
The Fortune of the RougonsEmile Zola
martyrdom
- the sufferings or death of a martyr
- great suffering or torment
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for martyrdom
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper