Lexic.us

Definition of Heroism

1. Noun. The qualities of a hero or heroine; exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger (especially in battle). "He received a medal for valor"

Definition of Heroism

1. n. The qualities characteristic of a hero, as courage, bravery, fortitude, unselfishness, etc.; the display of such qualities.

Definition of Heroism

1. Noun. The qualities characteristic of a hero, as courage, bravery, fortitude, unselfishness, etc.; the display of such qualities. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Heroism

1. heroic behavior [n -S]

Medical Definition of Heroism

1. The qualities characteristic of a hero, as courage, bravery, fortitude, unselfishness, etc.; the display of such qualities. "Heroism is the self-devotion of genius manifesting itself in action." (Hare) Synonym: Heroism, Courage, Fortitude, Bravery, Valor, Intrepidity, Gallantry. Courage is generic, denoting fearlessness or defiance of danger; fortitude is passive courage, the habit of bearing up nobly under trials, danger, and sufferings; bravery is courage displayed in daring acts; valor is courage in battle or other conflicts with living opponents; intrepidity is firm courage, which shrinks not amid the most appalling dangers; gallantry is adventurous courage, dashing into the thickest of the fight. Heroism may call into exercise all these modifications of courage. It is a contempt of danger, not from ignorance or inconsiderate levity, but from a noble devotion to some great cause, and a just confidence of being able to meet danger in the spirit of such a cause. Cf. Courage. Origin: F. Heroisme. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Heroism

Literary usage of Heroism

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. The Advocate of Peace by American Peace Society (1857)
"There is that in heroism which appeals strongly to our sensibilities, ... But what is heroism ? What is it in its noblest, most divine, most pure exercise ? ..."

2. Our Wild Indians: Thirty-three Years Personal Experience Among the Red Men by Richard Irving Dodge (1884)
"ARMY EXPERIENCES ON THE FRONTIER — POWELL'S FIGHT — THE heroism OF ... Kearney massacre," no white man being left to tell the tale of unsuccessful heroism. ..."

3. Lectures, Illustrated and Embellished with Views of the World's Famous by John Lawson Stoddard (1898)
"Its heroism is like a mediaeval castle, still haughtily defiant of the wintry storms. Its Romance is the ivy, which covers the historic ruin with a mantle ..."

4. History of Mexico by Hubert Howe Bancroft, William Nemos, Thomas Savage, Joseph Joshua Peatfield (1883)
"INVESTMENT OF MEXICO. MAY-JUNE, 1521. PHASES OF heroism—THE ... THE ideal heroic character is to be viewed from two standpoints: the effect of heroism ..."

5. Travels in the United States, Etc., During 1849 and 1850 by Emmeline Stuart-Wortley (1851)
"SIGNAL INSTANCE OF THE heroism OF A ... The other day I had a visit from an English lady, residing here now, who has exhibited such heroism and presence of ..."

6. Travels in the United States, Etc., During 1849 and 1850 by Emmeline Stuart-Wortley (1851)
"The other day I had a visit from an English lady, residing here now, who has exhibited such heroism and presence of mind as perhaps hardly any one ever ..."

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