martyr

/ˈmɑːrtər/

Definitions

1. noun

A person who suffers or dies for a cause, especially a political or religious one

“The government cracked down on activists who were considered martyrs of the freedom movement.”

2. noun

A person who sacrifices their own interests or well-being for the benefit of others

“Her selfless act made her a martyr to her family, always putting their needs before her own.”

3. verb

To kill or sacrifice someone as a way of proving one’s devotion or loyalty

“He was willing to martyr himself for the sake of his cause, but his methods were misguided.”

Synonyms

  • hero
  • saint
  • victim

Antonyms

  • perpetrator
  • traitor