ˈmɑ:tə n. & v. --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. ømake a martyr of
oneself accept or
pretend to accept
unnecessary discomfort etc. [OE martir f. eccl.L martyr f. Gk martur, martus -uros witness]