martyrize

/ˈmɑːrtəraɪz/
verb
  1. To cause someone to suffer or die for their beliefs, especially religious beliefs.
    • The ancient Romans would martyrize Christians who refused to worship their gods.
    • The documentary explored how different cultures have chosen to martyrize individuals for their faith.
    • In some historical accounts, the ruler tried to martyrize those who opposed his new laws.
  2. To make a martyr of someone; to treat someone as if they are suffering for a cause, often to gain sympathy.
    • The politician tried to martyrize himself after the scandal, claiming he was being unfairly attacked.
    • She felt her coworkers were trying to martyrize her by exaggerating her mistakes.
    • Some activists use social media to martyrize their leaders, turning them into symbols of resistance.
Antonyms
What does "martyrize" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean