What does lionhearted mean?
Lionhearted describes a person who displays exceptional courage, especially in dangerous, difficult, or morally challenging circumstances. The expression combines the traditional image of the lion as a symbol of strength and fearlessness with the idea of having a brave heart. It is typically used in literary, commemorative, or strongly approving contexts, as in “a lionhearted rescuer” or “lionhearted opposition to injustice.” The word is more emphatic and vivid than simply brave or courageous, suggesting a willingness to act despite serious danger. It can also apply broadly to people whose conduct reflects courage, perseverance, and moral resolve. Because it carries an elevated, occasionally romantic tone, it is better suited to formal praise, storytelling, and historical description than to casual everyday speech.
adjectiveShowing great courage or bravery in the face of danger or difficulty.
- Brave or exceptionally courageous, especially when facing danger or hardship.
"The lionhearted rescue team returned to bring the stranded hikers safely home."
"Her lionhearted decision to confront the danger saved several passengers."
"The novel praises its lionhearted protagonist for standing against injustice despite overwhelming odds."
A lionhearted person is brave enough to face danger while others look away.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lionhearted come from?
Lionhearted is a compound formed from lion and heart, with the suffix -ed meaning “having” or “characterized by.” The lion has long been associated in Western symbolism with courage, majesty, and strength. The compound follows the pattern of older expressions such as lighthearted and halfhearted, using a word or phrase describing the heart to create an adjective. The sense of being brave and valiant was established in English literary usage during the modern period.
Related word forms
How lionhearted is actually used
This is a literary and often admiring term. It is not usually used in routine, neutral descriptions of ordinary bravery, and the spelling is commonly hyphenated in British English while both spellings occur in American English.
Easily confused with lionhearted
Lion-hearted is the standard hyphenated spelling; lionhearted is also widely accepted, especially in American English.
Lionhearted means brave and courageous, whereas lone-hearted means solitary or solitary in disposition.