heroism

noun

her·​o·​ism ˈher-ə-ˌwi-zəm 

ˈhe-rə-,

 also  ˈhir-

1

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

2

: the qualities of a hero

Synonyms

• bottle [British slang]
• bravery
• courage
• courageousness
• daring
• daringness
• dauntlessness
• doughtiness
• fearlessness
• gallantry
• greatheartedness
• guts
• gutsiness
• hardihood
• heart
• intestinal fortitude
• intrepidity
• intrepidness
• moxie
• nerve
• pecker [chiefly British]
• prowess
• stoutness
• valor
• virtue

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

Both before and after his death, Tillman's name became synonymous with sacrifice, heroism and honor. —Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY, 13 July 2024

Eight months after his story was immortalized on the silver screen, his sudden return now threatens to play out like a bad Hollywood sequel—banking on nostalgia while lacking any of the original drama and heroism the second time around. —Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 20 June 2024

Listen to this article As slain Minneapolis Police Officer Jamal James Mitchell was welcomed back to his hometown of New Haven on Monday, his chief and others described him as a man of character and heroism who was taken too soon. —Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2024

After all the suffering, the heroism and the tragedies, New Yorkers should have this opportunity to speak out and be listened to. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 5 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

heroism

noun

her·​o·​ism ˈher-ə-ˌwiz-əm 

 also  ˈhir-

: heroic conduct or qualities