hero

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A person who is admired for their bravery or for doing something good and difficult.

   The firefighter was hailed as a hero for saving the trapped family.

2. 2
   noun

   The main character in a story, film, or play, especially a good or admirable one.

   The hero of the novel finally defeats his enemy.

3. 3
   noun

   A person you admire greatly and want to be like.

   My grandfather has always been my hero.

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.

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