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
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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.
The naughty boys who played on bomb sites resented the legend of heroism but took pride in capturing the flag.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026
Sustainable gains on law and order are years away at best, despite the heroism of Harfuch’s Untouchables.
From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026
Striving for heroism is a common expectation of ourselves and others in a decent society.
From Salon • Jan. 28, 2026
They wanted no talk of the heroism or courage of their youth.
From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026
But acts of small heroism are admired, not understood in all their vague complexities, but at least admired.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
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.
