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.

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heroism British  

/ ˈhɛrəʊˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the state or quality of being a hero

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Etymology

Origin of heroism

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

Example Sentences

Life, death, birth, illness, grief, heroism, fatigue, you know, pressure at work.

From BBC

The Arctic accomplishments of Dr. Kane paled next to the battlefield heroism of Civil War soldiers.

From Literature

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

Sustainable gains on law and order are years away at best, despite the heroism of Harfuch’s Untouchables.

From Barron's

Striving for heroism is a common expectation of ourselves and others in a decent society.

From Salon

Related Words

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