Martyr
Etymology
From Greek “martys / martyr-” meaning simply “witness,” as in a legal witness. Early Christians used it for those who witnessed to their faith by dying for it, and the sense of “witness” shifted decisively toward “one who dies for a belief.” A weakened modern use — “playing the martyr” — mocks the person who performs their suffering for sympathy.
noun · /MAR-ter/
A person who suffers or dies rather than renounce a faith or cause.
What it names
Death made into testimony — and, loosely, anyone who dramatizes their own suffering.
Example
The regime tried to bury him quietly, aware that an executed martyr would be more dangerous than a living critic.
Related idea
A victim suffers harm done to them; a martyr’s suffering is framed as a chosen testimony that gives the harm meaning.