What does martyrdom mean Meaning and Definition
What does martyrdom mean
Pronunciation
/ˈmɑːtərˈdaʊm/
Part of Speech
Noun or State
Definition
An act of making a huge personal sacrifice for a cause or idea, often involving suffering, persecution, or death, with the expectation of inspiring others and changing the course of history.
Examples
- The spiritual leader sacrificed his life for the freedom of his people.
- Socrates drank the cup of hemlock to avoid apostasy.
Synonyms
- Sacrifice
- Suffering
- Persecution
Etymology
The word “martyrdom” comes from the Latin “martyrium”, meaning “witness”, and is derived from the Greek “martys”, meaning “witness” or “martyr”.
Usage Notes
When using the word “martyrdom”, it’s important to consider the context and avoid sensationalizing or romanticizing the act.
Additional Information
Martyrdom has been a powerful symbol across many cultures and religions, inspiring acts of courage, resilience, and defiance in the face of adversity. In some cases, martyrdom has also been used as a tool for political or religious manipulation.
Throughout history, there have been countless examples of martyrdom, from the early Christian saints to more recent cases of political activists and human rights advocates.
Martyrdom has also been a subject of artistic expression, appearing in literature, music, and film.
Cultural References
In literature, martyrdom has been explored in works such as “The Passion of Joan of Arc” and “The Martyr’s Song”. In music, “Martyr” is a popular song by the band Muse.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Die for a cause
- Give one’s life for something
Related Words or Phrases
- Heroism
- Selflessness
- Persecution
Collocations
- Sacrificial
- Courageous
- Brave
Frequency of Use
Martyrdom is a relatively rare concept in everyday language, but it is often referenced in discussions about politics, ethics, and morality.
Common Misspellings
- Martirium
- Martyrium
- Matyrdom