heroism

Word parts

hero + -ism

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈhɛrəʊɪzəm/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈhɛroʊɪzəm/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular heroism

Plural none

A statue of men raising a flag in Iwo Jima, an act of heroism.

1. (uncountable) Heroism is the act of doing something heroic.

   They showed true heroism by risking their lives to save us.

2. (uncountable) Heroism is the quality of being heroic; if you have heroism you are a hero (or are similar to a hero).

   The heroism of firemen, who run into burning buildings for people they don't know, is inspiring.

Related words

• hero
• heroic
• heroine