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

That’s not heroism; that’s nuts. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2025

Most of the honorees are regular people being honored for taking extraordinary acts of heroism. —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025

The event will honor military veterans, first responders and more, with awards including the young patriot award, Benjamin Hall’s honor award, T2T Stephen Courage Siller award, salute to service award, most valuable patriot award, heroism award and patriot of the year award. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2025

This funny tale of unlikely heroism can be enjoyed either as a read-aloud or as a confidence booster for newly independent readers. —Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub, 3 Nov. 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