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

• bottle [British slang]
• bravery
• courage
• courageousness
• daring
• daringness
• dauntlessness
• doughtiness
• fearlessness
• gallantry
• greatheartedness
• guts
• gutsiness
• hardihood
• heart
• intestinal fortitude
• intrepidity
• intrepidness
• moxie
• nerve
• pecker [chiefly British]
• prowess
• stoutness
• valor
• virtue

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

With the possible exception of one act of heroism late in the film, none of the animals are anthropomorphized. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024

Few organizations in America received the kind of attention Eisner lavished on the DFD, and his photos showed both the heroism of the firefighters and the misery of the Motor City burning. —Bill McGraw, Detroit Free Press, 7 Nov. 2024

Sully never questions the man’s heroism, but Sully himself does, and Hanks’s portrayal is one in which self-doubt eats away at the character — which, coupled with having just survived a horrifying ordeal, leaves him feeling discombobulated and adrift. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024

While recovery from Hurricane Helene's destruction will take years, anecdotes of heroism and service - like Sanders' individual act of kindness in offering up her home - are emerging from the tragedy. —Stephanie Gallman Jordan, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

heroism

noun

her·​o·​ism ˈher-ə-ˌwiz-əm 

 also  ˈhir-

: heroic conduct or qualities