1. to make a martyr of someone; to cause someone to suffer or die for their beliefs
Usage: formal; often passive
2. to treat someone as if they were a martyr; to glorify someone’s suffering
Usage: sometimes disapproving

Examples

• The regime martyrized those who spoke out against corruption.
• Religious extremists were martyrized for their unwavering faith.
• The media tends to martyrize celebrities who die young.
• She felt martyrized by her family’s constant criticism.
• History has martyrized many who fought for civil rights.
• The opposition leader was martyrized after his imprisonment.