martyrdoms

Noun

martyrdom (countable and uncountable, plural martyrdoms)

1. The condition of a martyr; the death or suffering of a martyr; the death or suffering on account of adherence to the Christian faith, or to any cause.
   • The like clamour, and outcry, the Rabble of the unbelieving Jews and Gentiles made againſt Polycarp Biſhop of Smyrna, at the time of his Martyrdom. crying out againſt him to the Governour, that he ſhould caſt him to the Lyons, and when he anſwered them he could not, becauſe the Spectacular ſports...1681, George Hickes, A Sermon Preached before the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Citizens of London
2. Extreme suffering, affliction; torment; torture, especially without reason.