fortitude

noun

for·ti·tude ˈfȯr-tə-ˌtüd

-ˌtyüd

Synonyms of fortitude next

: strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage

obsolete : strength

Did you know?

Fortitude comes from the Latin word fortis, meaning “strong,” and in English it has always been used primarily to describe strength of mind. For a time, the word was also used to mean “physical strength”; William Shakespeare used it that way in Henry VI, Part 1: “Coward of France! How much he wrongs his fame / Despairing of his own arm's fortitude.” But despite use by the Bard of Avon, that meaning languished and is now considered obsolete. Even the familiar phrase “intestinal fortitude” is just a humorous way to refer to someone’s courage or mental stamina, not the literal strength of their digestive system. (If you’re looking to describe such a gastrointestinal tract, we might suggest “iron stomach.”)

Examples of fortitude in a Sentence

… everyone in the family was succored by Elizabeth's fortitude and steadfastness. —

Nicholas Fox Weber, The Clarks Of Cooperstown, 2007

But now Frum, by having the fortitude to revisit that bizarre era, has half-persuaded me that the '70s, a partial negation of the '60s, in one way, were a partial confirmation of them in another. —

Christopher Hitchens, Civilization, April/May 2000

He learned that war was a hurly-burly of violence in which men prevailed through imagination and the fortitude to struggle on despite reverses. —

Neil Sheehan, A Bright Shining Lie, 1988

She has endured disappointments with fortitude and patience. it was only with the greatest fortitude that the Pilgrims were able to survive their first winter in Plymouth

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Scientists who study resilience in nature say the memory of one trauma helps build fortitude against the next trauma. —

Somini Sengupta, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2025 The overlap of awards season with a fire season has posed a stern test of Hollywood fortitude. —

Peter Bart, Deadline, 16 Jan. 2025 Their plight and their fortitude are too real for that. —

Peter Rainer, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Jan. 2025 Robles’ underdog story involves coaches, teammates, siblings and his loyal mom, Judy (played by Jennifer Lopez), helping a young Anthony navigate self-doubt, a troubled home life and those who underestimate his fortitude. —

Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fortitude