superhero
nounUS /ˈs(j)upɚhɪɹoʊ/
Etymology From super- + hero. First attested in 1917.
1
Any fictional crime-fighting character, often with supernatural powers or equipment, in popular children's and fantasy literature; a fictional hero who does great things.
- Hobbes: Super heroes wear snow pants? Stupendous Man: When there's snow out, they do!1990 February 13, Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes (comic):
2
Broadly A particularly renowned real-world hero, or one who has seemingly impossible abilities.
- The power is out but you're watching TV? You must be a superhero.
- Thanks for driving out here and towing me out of the ditch. You're a superhero!
2 more examples
- Did you know your community has many invisible superheroes? Each day they perform hundreds of amazing feats that make the community a better place in which to live.1991, Boys' Life, volume 81, number 1, page 42:
- Pull me out of the aircrash / Pull me out of the lake / 'Cause I'm your superhero1997, “Lucky”, in OK Computer, performed by Radiohead:
- Antonyms
- supervillain
- Derived terms
- antisuperhero, nonsuperhero, real superhero, superhero chin, superherodom, superheroics, superhero insurance, superheroism, superhero landing, superqueero, supershero
- Related terms
- superheroic, superheroine, superhuman, superman, 🦸♂️