<P> A martyr (Greek: μάρτυς, mártys, "witness"; stem μάρτυρ -, mártyr -) 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 has come to be used in connection with people imprisoned or killed for espousing a political cause . </P> <P> 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 such figures as Socrates, among other political and cultural examples . </P>

When do we consider a person a martyr