heroism

American  

[her-oh-iz-uhm] / ˈhɛr oʊˌɪz əm /

noun

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

   He showed great heroism in battle.

   Synonyms:

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

   Antonyms:

   timidity, cowardice

2. heroic conduct; courageous action.

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

---

heroism British  

/ ˈhɛrəʊˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the state or quality of being a hero

---

Etymology

Origin of heroism

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

Example Sentences

An official government statement read: "Our compatriots fulfilled their duty with dignity and heroism and fell, after fierce resistance, in direct combat against the attackers or as a result of bombings on the facilities."

From BBC

“Fire Country” delivers on all those components with the Station 42 crew performing regular acts of heroism as they keep their community safe, a reflection of real-life firefighters, says Thieriot.

From Los Angeles Times

But footage from the scene showed there were other instances of heroism that day: A retired mechanic rushed one of the attackers and grabbed his weapon.

From The Wall Street Journal

We tend to think of war as a matter of battles, won by skill or heroism.

From The Wall Street Journal

How do grievously wounded combatants power through to achieve extraordinary feats of heroism?

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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