Words / C1

MAHT-uh/ˈmɑːtə/

A martyr is a person who suffers or dies for a cause: a civic martyr, make a martyr of (also a verb). Sufferer is everyday; a wreath is ceremony, not a named spare.

Meaning

A person who suffers or dies for a cause; also to make someone suffer (verb).

Examples

• “A wreath for a martyr is ceremony; it does not staff the sitting.”
• “Sufferer is everyday. Sacrifice is the close twin. A wreath is branding. A name on the log is cover. Write the name; then hang the wreath if the sitting still stands.”

Good to know

Someone who suffers for a cause. Close: sufferer. A wreath ≠ cover.

Near in meaning

sufferer, sacrifice, victim

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