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

Roy Kapur attributes the strong performance of South Indian films in Hindi-language markets to their approach to heroism. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 31 Dec. 2024

Angela Bassett, in 2024 alone, was responsible for acts of heroism in the skies and on the open seas. —Brian Grubb, Vulture, 26 Dec. 2024

The Carnegie Medal is the highest honor for civilian heroism and recipients or their survivors will receive a financial grant for being recognized, according to the Carnegie Hero Fund. —Danielle Jennings, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024

The Chinese geophysicist, marine technologist, robot designer, and filmmaker challenged himself to locate the sunken vessel and resurface the tale of villainy and heroism behind it. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 13 Dec. 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