Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Martyrdom \Mar"tyr*dom\, n. [Martyr + -dom.]
   1. The condition of a martyr; the death of a martyr; the
      suffering of death on account of adherence to the
      Christian faith, or to any cause. --Bacon.

            I came from martyrdom unto this peace. --Longfellow.

   2. Affliction; torment; torture. --Chaucer.

Source : WordNet®

martyrdom
     n 1: death that is imposed because of the person's adherence of a
          religious faith or cause
     2: any experience that causes intense suffering [syn: {calvary}]