A martyr is someone who (1) willingly suffers death because of his beliefs and attitudes or (2) is tortured or killed because of his principles or unwillingness to give up a cause or faith. The word is loosely overused to refer to anyone who undergoes severe suffering or hardship or who seeks attention by pretending pain or loss. A person who dedicates his life to some cause at the expense of his health or financial standing may be called a martyr: "He lived his adult life as a martyr to the cause of equal rights for everyone." A parent who stays at home to care for children rather than going out to play bridge or engage in hanky-panky is something less than a martyr. A victim is a sufferer from any injurious or destructive action or event or one who is cheated and deceived by others: "The hospital is filled with accident victims." "Joe was the victim of his own stupidity." "Because of his immaturity, he is often the victim of misplaced confidence."
Dictionary of problem words and expressions. Harry Shaw. 1975.