King James Bible Dictionary

One who bears witness of the truth, and suffers death in the cause of Christ (Acts 22:20; Revelation 2:13; 17:6). In this sense Stephen was the first martyr. The Greek word so rendered in all other cases is translated "witness."

1. In a court of justice (Matthew 18:16; 26:65; Acts 6:13; 7:58; Hebrews 10:28; 1 Timothy 5:19).

2. As of one bearing testimony to the truth of what he has seen or known (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8, 22; Romans 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:5, 10; 1 John 1:2).

M'ARTYR, noun [Gr. a witness.] One who, by his death, bears witness to the truth of the gospel. Stephen was the first christian martyr

To be a martyr signifies only to witness the truth of Christ.

1. One who suffers death in defense of any cause. We say, a man dies a martyr to his political principles or to the cause of liberty.

M'ARTYR, verb transitive To put to death for adhering to what one believes to be the truth; to sacrifice one on account of his faith or profession.

1. To murder; to destroy.

General references
Psalms 44:22; Romans 8:36; Matthew 10:21-22; Mark 13:12; Luke 21:16-17; Matthew 10:39; Matthew 16:25; Matthew 23:34-35; Luke 11:50; Matthew 24:9; Luke 9:24; John 12:25; 1 Corinthians 13:3; Revelation 6:9-11; Revelation 11:7-12; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 16:6; Revelation 17:6
Persecution

Instances of:

Abel
Genesis 4:3-8

Prophets slain by Jezebel
1 Kings 18:4; 1 Kings 18:13

Zechariah
2 Chronicles 24:21-22

John the Baptist
Mark 6:18-28

Jesus
Jesus, The Christ

Stephen
Acts 7:58-60

James the apostle
Acts 12:2

The prophets
Matthew 22:6; Matthew 23:35; Romans 11:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:15; Hebrews 11:32-37

M'ARTYRDOM, noun The death of a martyr; the suffering of death on account of one's adherence to the faith of the gospel.

He intends to crown their innocence with the glory of martyrdom

M'ARTYRIZE, verb transitive To offer as a martyr. [Little used.]

MARTYROLOG'ICAL, adjective Registering or registered in a catalogue or martyrs.

MARTYROL'OGIST, noun A writer of martyrology, or an account of martyrs.

MARTYROL'OGY, noun [Gr. a witness, and discourse.] A history or account of martyrs with their sufferings; or a register of martyrs.