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

Sitting inside a vehicle, explorers redefined heroism around mastery of machines and self. —Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 12 May 2026

But none of their streaks of zero heroism remotely compares with the untouchability of Miller’s streak. —Jayson Stark, New York Times, 1 May 2026

Upending age-old narrative traditions, Paul’s heroism takes a sinister turn when Herbert reveals that the Bene Gesserit, an Illuminati-like secretive order of psychic matriarchs, has long been conditioning the Fremen to expect the arrival of a messiah, or mahdi, in their native tongue. —Big Think, 29 Apr. 2026

The lockdown and Moore’s heroism clearly prevented any further violence in this rare school shooting situation with a positive ending. —James Densley, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for heroism

• ism
• prism
• schism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism
• colonialism

Kids Definition

heroism

noun

her·​o·​ism ˈher-ə-ˌwiz-əm 

also ˈhir-

: heroic conduct or qualities