valor

American

[val-er] / ˈvæl ər /

especially British, valour

noun

boldness or determination in facing great danger, especially in battle; heroic courage; bravery.

a medal for valor.

Synonyms:

spirit, intrepidity

Antonyms:

cowardice

valor Idioms

see discretion is the better part of valor.

Related Words

See courage.

Etymology

Origin of valor

1350–1400; Middle English valo ( u ) r < Anglo-French; Middle French valeur < Late Latin valōr-, stem of valor worth, equivalent to Latin val ( ēre ) to be of worth + -or -or ¹

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.

Mr. Le Tellier became obsessed with excavating the past of this unknown man, an inquiry that poignantly revives the valor and tragedy of World War II.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The best one that we could find that fit this feat of valor was the state of Alaska’s Heroism Award,” he said.

From Seattle Times

He was highly decorated, receiving numerous commendations, including the Navy Cross — the second-highest medal for valor awarded by the Navy and Marines.

From Washington Post

Thanks to international support, and its own valor, Ukraine’s defenses are still mostly holding.

From Washington Post

Chester W. Nimitz, who commanded the Pacific Fleet, said, “Among the Americans who served on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

From Washington Post

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023