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 of heroism

• 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 tough, silent face of a very specific idea of heroism passed away Thursday after a brief hospitalization in Hawaii. —Valentina Colosimo, Vanity Fair, 20 Mar. 2026

During Thursday's ceremony, Detroit Executive Fire Commissioner Chuck Simms praised White's heroism. —Hannah McIlree, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

His first period piece, the film follows a Belgian soldier grappling with cowardice and heroism in the trenches of WWI. —Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 Mar. 2026

Luis Navarro, were later honored by city leaders for their heroism. —Michael Ruiz , Greg Wehner , Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026

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