Definition of heroine

The word "heroine" derives from the French word "héroïne," which in turn comes from the Greek word "hērōōn," meaning "female hero." The word was first used in French literature in the late 18th century to describe a female character with qualities similar to that of a male hero, such as bravery and courage. It was later adopted into the English language in the early 19th century, where its use expanded beyond just literary characters to include real women who exhibited heroic acts. Today, the term "heroine" is commonly used to refer to any woman who has displayed exceptional bravery, courage, or selflessness in the face of adversity.