One who bears witness of the truth, and suffers death in the cause of Christ (Acts 22:20; Revelation 2:13; 17:6). In this sense Stephen was the first martyr. The Greek word so rendered in all other cases is translated "witness."

(1.) In a court of justice (Matthew 18:16; 26:65; Acts 6:13; 7:58; Hebrews 10:28; 1 Timothy 5:19).

(2.) As of one bearing testimony to the truth of what he has seen or known (Luke 24:48; Acts 1:8, 22; Romans 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 2:5, 10; 1 John 1:2).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) One who, by his death, bears witness to the truth of the gospel; one who is put to death for his religion; as, Stephen was the first Christian martyr.

2. (n.) Hence, one who sacrifices his life, his station, or what is of great value to him, for the sake of principle, or to sustain a cause.

3. (v. t.) To put to death for adhering to some belief, esp. Christianity; to sacrifice on account of faith or profession.

4. (v. t.) To persecute; to torment; to torture.