Martyred

Martyred describes a person who is killed or made to suffer greatly because of their religious or other beliefs. It specifically denotes a death or suffering endured for the sake of a cause, often a faith. The term implies a willingness to endure pain and death rather than renounce one's principles. It often carries connotations of heroism, self-sacrifice, and unwavering conviction. Historically, it's primarily associated with religious contexts, particularly Christianity, but can be applied to any individual who suffers extreme hardship for their ideals or beliefs. The act of being martyred symbolizes the ultimate expression of loyalty to a cause.

Martyred meaning with examples

• Joan of Arc was martyred by the English for her defiance of their rule and unwavering belief in her divine mission to restore France to the Dauphin. Her story is a poignant illustration of unwavering faith in the face of death. Her courageous refusal to recant established her as a martyr, inspiring countless others through the ages.
• The early Christians were martyred by the Roman Empire for refusing to worship Roman gods and for their devotion to their faith. The persecution they suffered, and their steadfastness, ultimately led to the expansion of Christianity. Their sacrifices are a testament to the power of belief and the enduring nature of faith.
• Many individuals in the civil rights movement were effectively martyred, not necessarily by immediate death, but by enduring extreme violence and systemic discrimination for standing up for equality. Martin Luther King Jr., though assassinated, is just one of the most well known example of someone who died for his beliefs.
• During the religious wars, many were martyred for their different interpretations of scripture. The executions and torture they endured were a tragic illustration of religious zealotry. Their sufferings often sparked further conflict, but also preserved the integrity of many faith traditions.
• Socrates, though perhaps not martyred in the strictest sense of dying for a belief, was essentially a martyr for free thought and his philosophical ideals. His trial and execution demonstrated the courage needed to question authority. The poison he drank served as testament of a person's dedication to his beliefs.