martyr

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mar·tyr / ˈmärtər/ • n. a person who is killed because of their religious or other beliefs: the first Christian martyr. ∎  a person who displays or exaggerates their discomfort or distress in order to obtain sympathy or admiration: she wanted to play the martyr. ∎  (martyr to) a constant sufferer from (an ailment): I'm a martyr to migraines!• v. [tr.] (usu. be martyred) kill (someone) because of their beliefs: she was martyred for her faith. ∎  cause great pain or distress to: there was no need to martyr themselves again.DERIVATIVES: mar·tyr·i·za·tion / ˌmärtərəˈzāshən/ n.mar·tyr·ize / ˈmärtəˌrīz/ v.

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