heroism

her·o·ism | \ ˈher-ə-ˌwi-zəm

How to pronounce heroism (audio)

, ˈhe-rə- also ˈhir- \

Definition of heroism

1 : heroic conduct especially as exhibited in fulfilling a high purpose or attaining a noble end

2 : the qualities of a hero

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about heroism

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Examples of heroism in a Sentence

women who showed heroism by fighting for their right to vote the inspiring heroism of the firefighters who risked their lives to save the people trapped in the burning building

Recent Examples on the Web The fact that Delaney was, at best, a poor swimmer compounds his heroism. — Hal Habib, USA TODAY, "Chiefs’ Super Bowl berth conjures memories of late team legends Derrick Thomas, Joe Delaney," 1 Feb. 2020 My hope is that this film brings the justice and peace Richard and Bobi Jewell deserve by shining a light on their story and his heroism. — Marcus Jones, EW.com, "Stars react to their 2020 Oscar nominations," 13 Jan. 2020 Stevenson, whose criminal-justice work is still ongoing, is driven by his sense of morality, and his real-life heroism is dutifully represented onscreen. — David Sims, The Atlantic, "The Strength of Just Mercy Is Also Its Weakness," 10 Jan. 2020 Luis Alvarez spent months at Ground Zero after 9/11, and wanted the world to remember that many of his fellow first responders paid for their heroism with their health. — Robert Forster, CBS News, "Hail and farewell to those we lost in 2019," 29 Dec. 2019 The Sheridan County sheriff, Brandon Carver, praised Lomakin for his heroism. — oregonlive, "Vancouver trucker hailed as hero after pulling mom, 3 kids from burning car in Kansas," 20 Dec. 2019 There's nary a note of surprise to be found, but the heroism and man-dog bond carry the movie along. — Brian Lowry, CNN, "'Togo' tells the heroic dog story you only think you know on Disney+," 19 Dec. 2019 In the days since the crash, stories of heroism and devastating loss have emerged. — courant.com, "Oct. 7, 2019: “Safe journeys, guys”," 7 Oct. 2019 So does her longtime friend and admirer, Solly Two Kings (Kevin Jackson), whose profession gathering dog waste contrasts with his essential heroism and wisdom. — Los Angeles Times, "Review: A dazzling revival of August Wilson’s ‘Gem of the Ocean’ at A Noise Within in Pasadena," 4 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'heroism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

15 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Heroism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heroism. Accessed 20 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for heroism

heroism

noun

English Language Learners Definition of heroism

: great courage

See the full definition for heroism in the English Language Learners Dictionary

heroism

her·o·ism | \ ˈher-ə-ˌwi-zəm

\

Kids Definition of heroism

1 : behavior showing great courage especially for a noble purpose the heroism of soldiers

2 : the qualities of a hero We honor the heroism of our forefathers.

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