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

The heroism of our firefighters — during the Palisades fire and every single day — is without question. —Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2025

Those award-winning victimhood stereotypes equate social grievances with mundane heroism while Leigh’s close-up view of individual psychological stress seems designed to overpower banal politicization. —Armond White, National Review, 21 Feb. 2025

John Hersey’s account of Lieutenant John F. Kennedy’s heroism in the South Pacific. —David Remnick, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025

The Superhero Soirée invited guests in Lake Forest to step into a world of heroism and adventure for an event honoring the dynamic duo of fathers and daughters. —Gina Grillo, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 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