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

Additionally, recent independent cinema in Iran has distanced itself from heroism and focuses on marginalized classes, while the narrators of Persian rap are the disillusioned members of society. —Ali Farahmand, IndieWire, 23 May 2025

Gordon’s 2024-25 has been an emotional slingshot between physical highs and lows — a page-turning shooting breakout followed by nagging injury, followed by moments of franchise heroism. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 May 2025

Early mountaineering narratives often emphasised physical endurance, dominance over nature, and the ability to withstand extreme conditions — reinforcing ideas of masculine heroism. —Jenny Hall, CNN Money, 14 May 2025

Golden State needs heroism to survive until Steph Curry’s return. —Chris Branch, New York Times, 14 May 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