heroism
[her-oh-iz-uh m]
- the qualities or attributes of a hero or heroine: He showed great heroism in battle.
- heroic conduct; courageous action: Pat's returning into the burning building was true heroism.
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Origin of heroism
Synonyms
See more synonyms on Thesaurus.com1. intrepidity, valor, prowess, gallantry, bravery, courage, daring, fortitude.
Antonyms
1. cowardice, timidity.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for heroism
Contemporary Examples
The game has become our modern Passion Play, self-destruction as our highest form of heroism.
Satisfaction does not insist on setting up clear categories of heroism and villainy, good, and evil.
Is ‘Satisfaction’ a Love Story That’s Too Real About Sex and Marriage?David Masciotra
September 19, 2014
Thousands cheered for Ukrainian unity and heroism as the blue-and-yellow flags of their country flapped in the late summer sun.
Hamlet refused to accept that heroism was his destiny, because of the behavior it required.
Alleged Santa Barbara Killer Elliot Rodger and the Twisted Cult of Modern MasculinityJames Poulos
May 26, 2014
Feelings of shame and unworthiness are universal precursors to one of two things: an act of destruction and an act of heroism.
Marc Webb Takes Us Inside ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ and Discusses His Rise to the A-ListMarlow Stern
March 15, 2014
Historical Examples
They are presented as good and evil, as vice and virtue, as villainy and heroism.
A Treatise on Parents and ChildrenGeorge Bernard Shaw
His heroism appears in growing revelation from the beginning.
Understanding the ScripturesFrancis McConnell
But for the heroism of the signallers, it would have been insuperable.
The Story of the Malakand Field ForceSir Winston S. Churchill
But side by side with these despicable men what heroism we saw!
My Double LifeSarah Bernhardt
The heroism of the Spaniards might protract, but could not avert their fall.
Gomez AriasJoaqun Telesforo de Trueba y Coso
heroism
- the state or quality of being a hero
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for heroism
n.
1717, from French héroisme, from heros (see hero (n.1)).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper