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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Heroism \Her"o*ism\ (?; 277), n. [F. h['e]ro["i]sme.]
The qualities characteristic of a hero, as courage, bravery,
fortitude, unselfishness, etc.; the display of such
qualities.
[1913 Webster]

Heroism is the self-devotion of genius manifesting
itself in action. --Hare.

Syn: {Heroism}, {Courage}, {Fortitude}, {Bravery}, {Valor},
{Intrepidity}, {Gallantry}.

Usage: 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}.
[1913 Webster]