According to dictionary.com, a martyr doesn't strictly have to die. A martyr "endures great suffering on behalf of any belief, principle, or cause". His argument makes perfect sense and I agree with it.

No. You're "cherry picking."

Why did you not quote the entire definition you cited? Here it is. It clearly mentions death as the relative level of suffering.

Full definition:

>"a person who is put to death or endures great suffering on behalf of any belief, principle, or cause" [0]

What you quoted:

>"or endures great suffering on behalf of any belief, principle, or cause"

[0] http://www.dictionary.com/browse/martyr