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

Bronze, often used to convey heroism and stability, is in Mutu’s hands reimagined as porous and ancestral—a medium that can hold memory rather than impose legacy. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025

But daily acts of kindness, heroism, and protest point this reader toward the light. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025

In April, Schaller received a medal from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, which is an organization that recognizes civilians in the U.S. and Canada for acts of heroism, according to its website. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025

Bruce Anderson for extraordinary heroism during the Civil War. —Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 12 June 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