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

How to Help Victims of the Los Angeles Wildfires First responders and emergency personnel continue to work to get the situation under control, leading to powerful and compelling pictures of heroism and devastation. —Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025

Biden will award Medals of Honor decades after the soldiers' acts of valor and self-sacrifice in Korea and Vietnam. Medals of Honor, the nation’s highest award for battlefield heroism, require extensive documentation and often years of advocacy by family members, comrades and members of Congress. —Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 3 Jan. 2025

Holding off Chinese forces in a critical engagement, Johnson's heroism saved the lives of up to 10 fellow soldiers. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025

But compared with its predecessor, this Nosferatu makes room for nearly all its female characters to get moments of centrality, humanity, and heroism. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 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