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Martyr Definition & Meaning

martyr
noun
  1. one who suffers for the sake of principle
  2. one who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty for refusing to renounce their religion
verb
  1. kill as a martyr; "Saint Sebastian was martyred"
  2. torture and torment like a martyr

"Martyr" in song lyrics

See how martyr is used in real songs:

  • "Family stuck up, voyage of the S.S. Martyr"
    Aesop Rock — Fascination
  • "It's the one thing I believe in, make me a martyr"
    A.G. — Love
  • "If I die they say I'm only a martyr"
    Bravehearts f/ Nas — Bravehearted

Usage tips for "martyr"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "martyr" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for martyr to find words that pair well.

Use "martyr" in a verse

Now that you know what "martyr" means, try using it in your own lyrics:

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Frequently asked questions

What does martyr mean?
one who suffers for the sake of principle one who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty for refusing to renounce their religion kill as a martyr; "Saint Sebastian was martyred" torture and torment like a martyr
What part of speech is martyr?
Martyr is a noun and a verb.
How many definitions does martyr have?
Martyr has 4 definitions across 2 parts of speech (noun, verb).

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