—n.
1 a a person who is put to death for refusing to renounce a faith or belief. b a person who suffers for adhering to a principle, cause, etc.
2 (foll. by to) a constant sufferer from (an ailment).
—v.tr.
1 put to death as a martyr.
2 torment.
Phrases and idioms:
make a martyr of oneself accept or pretend to accept unnecessary discomfort etc.
Etymology: OE martir f. eccl.L martyr f. Gk martur, martus -uros witness
Useful english dictionary. 2012.