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martyrize

[mahr-tuh-rahyz]
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verb (used with object), mar·tyr·ized, mar·tyr·iz·ing.
  1. to make a martyr of: The ancient Romans martyrized many Christians.
  2. to torment.
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Also especially British, mar·tyr·ise.

Origin of martyrize

1400–50; late Middle English martirizen < Medieval Latin martyrizāre. See martyr, -ize
Related formsmar·tyr·i·za·tion, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

annoy, disturb, injure, beat, wound, abuse, torment, persecute, mistreat, maim, mutilate, oppress, sadden, upset, sting, punish, constrain, crucify, smite, pain

Examples from the Web for martyrize

Historical Examples

  • Must such people come to the Sea to martyrize the sick and to vulgarize the majesty of the Sea, that wild and true grandeur?

    The Sea

    Jules Michelet

  • As to you, my brave companion—(Mylio stops; his foot has struck the iron pincers that served to martyrize Karvel the Perfect).

  • They cut off their limbs and antennæ and often martyrize them to death with a rabidness that sadly resembles human sentiments!