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

Senior Dog Found Stranded in Canal with Almost 'No Chance of Survival' Recovers and Gets the 'Best Life' Even after this amazing act of heroism, Moogan is still available for adoption. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024

About the heroism of Spotted Tail and Iron Shell, for instance, who fought side by side against the soldiers. —Tim Madigan, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Oct. 2024

Drawing on archival materials and interviews with John Lewis and more than 250 people who knew him, David Greenberg leaves no doubt as to his subject’s heroism. —Staff, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Oct. 2024

Stephen died saving others on 9/11, but his heroism and legacy live on. —Don Yaeger, Forbes, 11 Sep. 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