martyr
A martyr is someone who suffers persecution or death for refusing to renounce their beliefs, principles, or cause. The mental image is one of sacrifice, where an individual stands firm in their convictions despite extreme pressure or the threat of physical harm, often becoming a symbol of unwavering devotion. While the term originates from religious contexts—specifically those who died for their faith—it is now frequently used in secular settings to describe someone who sacrifices their own comfort or well-being for a larger cause. Be careful when using it in casual conversation, as it can sometimes carry a cynical tone when applied to someone who makes a show of their self-sacrifice to gain sympathy.
In conversation
Discussing a historical figure
Do you think he actually believed in the cause, or was he just looking for fame?
Do you think he actually believed in the cause, or was he just looking for fame?
I think he was a true martyr; he knew the risks and chose to stay anyway.
I think he was a true martyr; he knew the risks and chose to stay anyway.
Used here to describe someone who died for a cause.
Workplace frustration
She's staying until midnight again to finish the report for the team.
She's staying until midnight again to finish the report for the team.
She loves playing the martyr, doesn't she? Nobody even asked her to do that.
She loves playing the martyr, doesn't she? Nobody even asked her to do that.
Used here to imply someone is seeking attention through unnecessary self-sacrifice.
Examples
She was a martyr for the cause of human rights.
She was a martyr for the cause of human rights.
The history books remember him as a martyr who died to protect his people.
The history books remember him as a martyr who died to protect his people.
Rather than compromising her ethics, she chose to be a martyr for her principles and resigned.
Rather than compromising her ethics, she chose to be a martyr for her principles and resigned.
