valor

noun

val·or | \ ˈva-lər

Definition of valor

: strength of mind or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness : personal bravery

Synonyms & Antonyms When Should You Use valor? Example Sentences Learn More about valor

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Examples of valor in a Sentence

The soldiers received the nation's highest award for valor. the absence of indecision even in the face of death is the true mark of valor

Recent Examples on the Web

But there was no valor predicted in serial draft deferments and dubious medical conditions. — WSJ, "‘Going Down With the Ship’ Is the Sum of a Life of Service," 21 Dec. 2018 There was someone else in the gym that night who was unusually qualified to appreciate Moss’s display of valor. — Andrew Beaton, WSJ, "The Few. The Proud. The Players Who Have Been Run Over by Zion Williamson.," 5 Dec. 2018 John McCain is a genuine hero — a man of valor whose sacrifices for his country are immeasurable. — Mike Debonis, Washington Post, "Meghan McCain dismisses ‘nothingburgers’ attacking her ailing father, John McCain," 11 May 2018 The White House announced today that on March 27 President Donald Trump will present to the family of a fallen soldier the nation’s highest award for valor in combat. — James Freeman, WSJ, "An Army Hero," 12 Mar. 2019 This audacious feat of leadership earned Mr. Mendez the Intelligence Star for valor, but like all CIA operations, its details were immediately locked in a vault. — Sam Walker, WSJ, "The Offbeat Genius of a Great American Spy," 26 Jan. 2019 American soldiers pose with their French medals for valor in northern Russia. — Michael M. Phillips, WSJ, "The One Time American Troops Fought Russians Was at the End of World War I—and They Lost," 9 Nov. 2018 American troops received French, White Russian and British medals for valor. — Michael M. Phillips, WSJ, "The One Time American Troops Fought Russians Was at the End of World War I—and They Lost," 9 Nov. 2018 He was awarded the Dickin Medal, which is the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, the highest honor awarded for valor in the UK. — Cady Drell, Marie Claire, "Pigeons Are Actually the Most Magnificent Bird," 20 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'valor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for valor

Middle English valour "worth, worthiness, bravery," borrowed from Anglo-French valor, valur, inherited or borrowed from early Medieval Latin valor, from Latin val- (stem of validus "in good health, robust, having legal authority," valēre "to be well, have strength") + -or, noun suffix — more at valid, wield