martyr

Where does the word "martyr" come from? It comes from Greek martys, passing through Latin before entering English (medieval).

Martyr’s story begins in Greek: martys meant “a witness.” Literally "a witness". By ancient, the word had taken hold in Latin as martyr. Greek 'martys', witness, since martyrs bore witness to their faith. It reached English by medieval as martyr. Stephen, stoned in Jerusalem, was venerated as the first Christian martyr. Today, martyr means a person who suffers or dies for their beliefs, cause, or faith.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient martys "a witness", literally "a witness".
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient martyr "one who dies for their faith", Greek 'martys', witness, since martyrs bore witness to their faith.
3. Stage 3 · Old English · medieval martyr "one who suffers or dies for a belief", Stephen, stoned in Jerusalem, was venerated as the first Christian martyr.