1. the act or process of making someone into a martyr or treating them as a martyr
Usage: formal; often used in religious or political contexts

Examples

• The martyrization of the activist began immediately after his death.
• Critics argued that the media’s coverage led to the martyrization of the controversial figure.
• The church’s martyrization of early saints helped establish religious traditions.
• Political opponents warned against the martyrization of the imprisoned leader.
• The martyrization process often involves elevating someone’s suffering to heroic status.