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

• courage
• bravery
• gallantry
• courageousness
• prowess
• valor

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 heroism of educators and staff who kept students quiet under pews and sheltered in a downstairs classroom is vividly revealed. —Michael Dorgan , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025

For all his heroism, Alt-Auggie knows that his son’s issues included violence and drug abuse. —Scott Meslow, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025

Reyne also praised the heroism of first responders and those inside the church at the time of the incident. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2025

Americana, underdog heroism, and high-octane action to tell a big, fun, family story as bold as Bigfoot itself. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for heroism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

heroism

noun

her·​o·​ism ˈher-ə-ˌwiz-əm 

 also  ˈhir-

: heroic conduct or qualities