Great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle; heroic bravery and determination.
From Old French valor, from Latin valor meaning 'worth' or 'strength,' derived from valere 'to be strong.' The connection between strength, worth, and courage reflects ancient warrior values.
Valor originally meant simply 'worth' or 'value,' but through military contexts evolved to specifically denote courage in battle. The Medal of Valor and similar honors preserve this connection between bravery and ultimate human worth.
Valor historically celebrated martial heroism coded masculine; women's courage in warfare, resistance, and survival was systematically underrecognized and reframed as 'fortitude' or 'endurance' rather than active valor.
Use 'valor' for all courageous actions regardless of gender; actively credit women's documented acts of bravery in war, activism, and survival.
["courage","bravery","heroism"]
Women's valor in WWII resistance, civil rights activism, and military service (now recognized) was long erased from standard usage of this word.
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