Martyring
Martyring, derived from the noun 'martyr,' signifies the act of inflicting suffering or death upon someone, often due to their beliefs or principles. More broadly, it describes the process of causing someone to endure significant hardship or self-inflicted suffering to appear heroic, garner sympathy, or achieve a particular goal. This can range from literal religious persecution to figurative self-sacrifice, emotional manipulation, or dramatic exaggeration of one's circumstances. The core element involves the unjust or excessive infliction of suffering, either actively or passively.
Martyring meaning with examples
- The early Christians faced brutal martyring by the Roman Empire for their faith, suffering torture and execution. Their willingness to die for their beliefs solidified their religious movement. Their deaths inspired numerous followers and defined a core tenet of their ideology: sacrifice.
- She accused her ex-partner of martyring her through constant emotional manipulation, making her feel guilty and controlled. He repeatedly portrayed himself as the victim, yet was the one creating a false sense of victimhood by causing suffering and claiming credit for it.
- The political activist faced years of imprisonment and torture; a literal martyring of his commitment to human rights. This solidified his standing as a symbol of resistance, motivating others to fight against the regime.
- Instead of seeking help, he engaged in self-martyring by working excessive hours and sacrificing his health. He felt his struggles were a test of his character, and the resulting praise provided him a sense of value.
- The historical novel depicted the martyring of innocent people during a witch hunt, as those accused were subjected to trials, punishments, and, in many cases, death. This resulted in a culture of fear.