make sb a martyr

Examples (10)

• Putting him to death would only make him a martyr.
• The oppressive regime unknowingly helped to make her a martyr for the cause.
• Their execution threatened to make them martyrs in the eyes of their followers.
• By imprisoning the activist, the government risked to make him a martyr.
• He was warned that his public defiance could make him a martyr if they chose to retaliate.
• The unjust trial served only to make the defendant a martyr for political freedom.
• Historically, many persecuted figures were ultimately made martyrs by their adversaries.
• The leader knew that killing the popular dissident would make him a martyr and ignite further rebellion.
• Their brutal suppression of the movement had the unintended effect of making its leaders martyrs.
• The dictator feared that any severe punishment would only make the rebel a martyr in the public's eyes.