heroism

[ her-oh-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the qualities or attributes of a hero or heroine:

   He showed great heroism in battle.

   Synonyms: intrepidity, fortitude, daring, courage, bravery, gallantry, prowess, valor

   Antonyms: timidity, cowardice

2. heroic conduct; courageous action:

   Pat's returning into the burning building was true heroism.

heroism

/ ˈhɛrəʊˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the state or quality of being a hero

Word History and Origins

Origin of heroism¹

1660–70; hero + -ism; compare French héroïsme

Example Sentences

But I’m not optimistic that we’ll see similar acts of heroism there, certainly not at the top.

From Salon

But the point is, the whole of life is an act of heroism.

From Salon

“Our forces are at the utmost readiness for confrontation, heroism and sacrifice.”

From Los Angeles Times

It linked to a short film: a 20-minute polemic against the emptiness of modern life, a lament for a vanished world of hierarchies and heroism.

From BBC

“Even as the world celebrated his heroism, he remained a ghost, a figure shrouded in anonymity,” his family said on Monday.

From BBC

Related Words

• boldness
• courage
• daring
• fearlessness
• fortitude
• gallantry
• nobility
• prowess
• spirit
• valor