hero
UK /ˈhɪə.ɹəʊ/ · US /ˈhɪɹ.oʊ/ noun, verb, proper noun
Forms heroes heros heroing heroeing heroed
- noun Somebody who possesses great bravery and carries out extraordinary or noble deeds. “My mom died a hero on duty.”
- noun A role model.
- noun The protagonist in a work of fiction.
- noun (poker) The current player, especially a hypothetical player for example and didactic purposes. Compare: villain (“any opponent player”). Not to be confused with hero call (“a weak call against a supposed bluff”). “Let's discuss how to play if the hero has KK, and there's an ace on board.”
- noun (New York) A large sandwich made from meats and cheeses.
- noun (film, photography, chiefly attributive) The product chosen from several candidates to be photographed, as in food advertising, or with props used in a movie.
- noun (web design) The eye-catching top portion of a web page, sometimes including a hero image; the portion above the fold.
- noun (cooking) The standout component of a dish; the part of a dish that should take center stage on the palate.
- verb (informal, intransitive) To act as a hero (brave person; role model; or protagonist).
- verb (transitive) To praise or laud.
- verb (transitive) To bring attention to; to highlight; to spotlight.
- proper noun (Greek mythology) Any of a number of legendary men and women, including the priestess loved by Leander.
- proper noun (rare) A female given name from Ancient Greek of English-speakers.
Synonyms
hero sandwich more at submarine sandwich the brave bully daredevil good guy goodie Hector knight in shining armor lion lionheart thunderbolt tiger white hat white knight worthy wye sub champion fighter paladin Heron Hero of Alexandria bomber grinder hoagie hoagy Cuban sandwich Italian sandwich poor boy
Antonyms
Etymology
From Middle English heroes, from Old French heroes, from Latin hērōs (“hero”), from Ancient Greek ἥρως (hḗrōs, “demi-god, hero”), possibly from Proto-Indo-European *ser- (“to watch over, protect”); if so, related to Latin servo (“protect”). Displaced Middle English heleð, haleð, from Old English hæleþ, hæle.
From Ancient Greek Ἡρώ (Hērṓ).
Webster’s 1913
- noun An illustrious man, supposed to be exalted, after death, to a place among the gods; a demigod, as Hercules.
- noun A man of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, or fortitude in suffering; a prominent or central personage in any remarkable action or event; hence, a great or illustrious person.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “hero”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details