valor

[ val-er ]

noun

1. boldness or determination in facing great danger, especially in battle; heroic courage; bravery:

   a medal for valor.

   Synonyms: intrepidity, spirit

   Antonyms: cowardice

Word History and Origins

Origin of valor¹

1350–1400; Middle English valo ( u ) r < Anglo-French; Middle French valeur < Late Latin valōr-, stem of valor worth, equivalent to Latin val ( ēre ) to be of worth + -or -or ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see discretion is the better part of valor .

Synonym Study

See courage.

Example Sentences

Sheehy stands by his story, telling the Times that their investigation was “tantamount to falsely accusing him of stolen valor” in a Friday statement.

From Salon

But this week, he was accused of "stolen valor" for allegedly saying he carried a weapon of war in war — which he did not.

From Salon

The story of his valor spread widely a year after he was killed, when Anderson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

From Los Angeles Times

Hitler was a former frontline soldier, twice wounded and decorated for valor.

From Salon

He earned an Air Medal with combat device, which is typically awarded after 20 flights in a combat zone or for conspicuous valor or achievement on a single mission.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• boldness
• courage
• derring-do
• determination
• fearlessness
• firmness
• fortitude
• gallantry
• grit
• heroism
• prowess
• tenacity