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Definition of martyrdom
martyrdom
/ˈmɑːr.tɚ.dəm/
mar · tyr · dom
Plural:martyrdoms
•Adjective:martyrial
martyrdom Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
10
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
Syllables
3
martyrdom Game Scores & Validity
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Wordle Guess
• noun
1
The death or suffering of a person who refuses to renounce a religious faith, principle, or cause, or who is killed because of their beliefs.
Example
"The medieval stained-glass window depicts the martyrdom of the early Christian saint."
2
Extreme suffering, torment, or an exaggerated display of misery undertaken to gain sympathy or admiration.
Example
"She grew tired of his constant air of martyrdom whenever he was asked to help with household chores."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for martyrdom Antonyms
View all antonyms for martyrdomWord Origin & Etymology
From Old English martirdom, combining martyr (from Late Latin martyr and Ancient Greek martys, meaning 'witness') with the native Germanic suffix -dom, denoting state or condition.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Martyrdom. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/martyrdom