heroism
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of heroism
Explanation
When you think of heroism, you might think of great acts of bravery, such as rushing into burning buildings and facing danger in battle. Heroism consists of putting others first, even at your own peril. The noun heroism comes from the Greek hērōs, which referred to a demigod. As someone who shows great courage and valor is referred to as a hero, their actions are considered to be acts of heroism. 19th Century lawyer Robert Green Ingersoll said it well: “When the will defies fear, when duty throws the gauntlet down to fate, when honor scorns to compromise with death — that is heroism.”
Vocabulary lists containing heroism
Veterans Day Vocabulary
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"The Necklace" and "The Fashion Show"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"We're so proud of him... I see messages about him, literally from all over the world, talking about his heroism."
From Barron's • May 19, 2026
That is certainly true of Quincy’s statues of Florian and Michael, who have long been symbols of the heroism and sacrifice of firefighters and other first responders.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026
Iskander’s David is a young man whose youthful piety and heroism make him a sympathetic figure, notwithstanding the bag of cold cuts.
From Salon • Mar. 29, 2026
Life, death, birth, illness, grief, heroism, fatigue, you know, pressure at work.
From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026
Despite their heroism, the 586th was never on the front lines, as were the two other regiments associated with Marina Raskova—the 586th’s job was always to protect the Soviet forces at the rear.
From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
