Martyr
Origin
Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin, from Greek martyr-, martys witness
In its original meaning, the word martyr, meaning witness, was used in the secular sphere as well as in the New Testament of the Bible.[1] The process of bearing witness was not intended to lead to the death of the witness, although it is known from ancient writers (e.g. Josephus) and from the New Testament that witnesses often died for their testimonies.
During the early Christian centuries, the term acquired the extended meaning of a believer who is called to witness for their religious belief, and on account of this witness, endures suffering and/or death. The term, in this later sense, entered the English language as a loanword. The death of a martyr or the value attributed to it is called martyrdom. [edit]
Definitions
- 1: a person who voluntarily suffers death as the penalty of witnessing to and refusing to renounce a religion
- 2: a person who sacrifices something of great value and especially life itself for the sake of principle
- 3: victim; especially : a great or constant sufferer <a martyr to asthma all his life — A. J. Cronin>
Description
A martyr (Greek: μάρτυς, mártys, "witness"; stem μάρτυρ-, mártyr-) is somebody who suffers persecution and death for refusing to renounce a belief or cause, often religious.
External links
- Fox's Book of Martyrs 16th century classic book, accounts of martyrdoms, full text.
- Martyrdom from the perspective of sociology-Encyclopedia of Politics and Religion
