1. to make a martyr of; to cause someone to suffer or die for their beliefs or principles
Usage: transitive verb; formal or literary
2. to treat or regard someone as a martyr; to elevate to martyr status
Usage: transitive verb

Examples

• The regime martyrizes political prisoners who refuse to renounce their beliefs.
• History often martyrizes those who die fighting for justice.
• The movement martyrizes its fallen leaders to inspire future generations.
• Some argue that the media martyrizes controversial figures by giving them excessive attention.
• Religious texts sometimes martyrize early believers who suffered persecution.