One who, by his death, bears witness to the truth of the gospel. Stephen was the first christian martyr. To be a martyr signifies only to witness the truth of Christ.

One who suffers death in defense of any cause. We say, a man dies a martyr to his political principles or to the cause of liberty: .

To put to death for adhering to what one believes to be the truth; to sacrifice one on account of his faith or profession.

To murder; to destroy.