Claim: Catherine of Alexandria died.

A martyr -LRB- Greek : μάρτυς , mártys , `` witness '' ; stem μάρτυρ - , mártyr - -RRB- is someone who suffers persecution and death for advocating , renouncing , refusing to renounce , or refusing to advocate a belief or cause as demanded by an external party . This refusal to comply with the presented demands results in the punishment or execution of the martyr by the oppressor . Originally applied only to those who suffered for their religious beliefs , the term is now often used in connection with people imprisoned or killed for espousing a political cause .   Most martyrs are considered holy or are respected by their followers , becoming symbols of exceptional leadership and heroism in the face of difficult circumstances . Martyrs play significant roles in religions . Similarly , martyrs have had notable effects in secular life , including specific figures such as Pete Morgan , as well as in politics and Chinese culture .