heroism

[her-oh-iz-uhm]

See more synonyms for heroism on Thesaurus.com

noun

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.

Origin of heroism

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

Synonyms

See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.com

1. 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.
Two New Films Preach Our Nation’s Corrosive Gridiron Gospel
Steve Almond
September 20, 2014
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.
Defying NATO, Ignoring Ceasefire, Russian-Backed Troops Keep Rolling
Ted Phillips
September 4, 2014
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 Masculinity
James 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-List
Marlow 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 Children
George Bernard Shaw
His heroism appears in growing revelation from the beginning.
Understanding the Scriptures
Francis McConnell
But for the heroism of the signallers, it would have been insuperable.
The Story of the Malakand Field Force
Sir Winston S. Churchill
But side by side with these despicable men what heroism we saw!
My Double Life
Sarah Bernhardt
The heroism of the Spaniards might protract, but could not avert their fall.
Gomez Arias
Joaqun Telesforo de Trueba y Coso

British Dictionary definitions for heroism

heroism

noun

the state or quality of being a hero

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)).

heroism

Origin of .css-1fxfie5{font-size:22px;}@media (max-width:768px){.css-1fxfie5{font-size:18px;margin:0 10px 10px 0;word-break:break-all;word-wrap:break-word;-webkit-hyphens:auto;-moz-hyphens:auto;-ms-hyphens:auto;hyphens:auto;line-height:22px;}}heroism

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

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.

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.

Feelings of shame and unworthiness are universal precursors to one of two things: an act of destruction and an act of heroism.

Historical Examples

They are presented as good and evil, as vice and virtue, as villainy and heroism.

His heroism appears in growing revelation from the beginning.

But for the heroism of the signallers, it would have been insuperable.

But side by side with these despicable men what heroism we saw!

The heroism of the Spaniards might protract, but could not avert their fall.

heroism

Word Origin and History for heroism

n.

Origin of heroism