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

But in a world of self-help, this is true inspiration, deeply admirable without the distance of heroism, bracing without stridency and, ultimately, generous. —Sadie Stein, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025

Deep in the heart of Southeast Asia’s tropical rainforests, a marvel of nature unfolds daily — a story of explosive heroism that redefines sacrifice. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025

Despite the horrors, Roberts said the report also includes examples of heroism. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 30 Mar. 2025

Books, Arts & Manners Books A Hero’s Bargain Brian Stewart In an age when heroism is often seen as a relic of a bygone era, the life and death of Alexei Navalny stands as a challenge and a rebuke to progressive nostrums of the day. —Caroline Downey, National Review, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for heroism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

heroism

noun

her·​o·​ism ˈher-ə-ˌwiz-əm 

 also  ˈhir-

: heroic conduct or qualities