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

Americana, underdog heroism, and high-octane action to tell a big, fun, family story as bold as Bigfoot itself. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025

His heroism is just relentless pursuit and going forward. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025

This critical series cinematically captures the horrific terrorism that stunned the world on October 7 with harrowing precision and inspires with these true-life stories of heroism and heartbreak. —Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 22 Sep. 2025

The image of your mother being too sleepy to enjoy the spoils of her own hard work—or to even be fully present as her children enjoyed those spoils—struck me as such a succinct encapsulation of her sacrifice and her heroism, as well as their drawbacks. —G'ra Asim september 16, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 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