fortitude

noun

for·​ti·​tude ˈfȯr-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce fortitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
1
: strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage
2
obsolete : strength

Did you know?

Fortitude comes from the Latin word fortis, meaning “strong,” and in English it has always been used primarily to describe strength of mind. For a time, the word was also used to mean “physical strength”; William Shakespeare used it that way in Henry VI, Part 1: “Coward of France! How much he wrongs his fame / Despairing of his own arm's fortitude.” But despite use by the Bard of Avon, that meaning languished and is now considered obsolete. Even the familiar phrase “intestinal fortitude” is just a humorous way to refer to someone’s courage or mental stamina, not the literal strength of their digestive system. (If you’re looking to describe such a gastrointestinal tract, we might suggest “iron stomach.”)

Examples of fortitude in a Sentence

… everyone in the family was succored by Elizabeth's fortitude and steadfastness. Nicholas Fox Weber, The Clarks Of Cooperstown, 2007
But now Frum, by having the fortitude to revisit that bizarre era, has half-persuaded me that the '70s, a partial negation of the '60s, in one way, were a partial confirmation of them in another. Christopher Hitchens, Civilization, April/May 2000
He learned that war was a hurly-burly of violence in which men prevailed through imagination and the fortitude to struggle on despite reverses. Neil Sheehan, A Bright Shining Lie, 1988
She has endured disappointments with fortitude and patience. it was only with the greatest fortitude that the Pilgrims were able to survive their first winter in Plymouth
Recent Examples on the Web The success of this operation is a testament to the skill and fortitude with which our Armed Forces serve when faced with high risks. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 LaPierre did not naturally possess the qualities Americans usually associate with leadership: charisma, fortitude, decisiveness. Mike Spies, The New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2024 The Royal Atreides model is a special ultra-performance variant of the craft, renowned for its lightning acceleration, blazing speeds and precision maneuverability when under the control of pilots skilled in its operation – and who have the fortitude to survive the harsh environment of the planet. Katcy Stephan, Variety, 14 Feb. 2024 Thank you, Mary Estill Buchanan, Mike Coffman, et al., for your courage and fortitude in denouncing Tina Peters for her unlawful acts and betrayal of her office as Clerk and Recorder of Mesa County. Dp Opinion, The Denver Post, 14 Feb. 2024 Saba finds a driver, Nodar, who serves simultaneously as a straight-talking exemplar of Georgian fortitude, fellow sufferer (his young daughter has gone missing amid the strife) and comic relief. Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2024 Images of Beckwith – stoic but resolute – with the president’s hand on his shoulder became an iconic symbol of fortitude. Holly Yan, CNN, 5 Feb. 2024 Because every time the Spartans tried, Rutgers would counter with its own fortitude and bravado. Detroit Free Press, 14 Jan. 2024 Washington's fortitude has been on display all throughout a season defined by narrow, single-possession wins. Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fortitude.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin fortitudin-, fortitudo, from fortis — see fortify

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fortitude was in the 12th century

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Dictionary Entries Near fortitude

Cite this Entry

“Fortitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fortitude. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fortitude

noun
for·​ti·​tude ˈfȯrt-ə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce fortitude (audio)
: strength of mind that enables a person to meet danger or bear pain or hardship with courage

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