Definition of FORTITUDE (original) (raw)
1
: strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage
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.”)
Synonyms
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.
His exceptional professionalism and physical and mental fortitude inspired his soldiers to follow him willingly. —Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 Inspired by the true story of the 1960s fight for Civil Rights through the eyes of the girls who reinvigorated the struggling movement through the power of magical thinking, friendship, faith and fortitude. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 In this week’s crop of new tunes, Willie Nelson and Ringo Starr issue sterling new songs, once again showcasing their timeless approaches, while Drew Baldridge follows his breakthrough hit with a new track celebrating steely determination and fortitude. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2024 The fortitude, wisdom, and humanity of Hurley’s later-season characterization helped ameliorate the writing’s earlier efforts to undermine him—although these developments didn’t undo that history. —Rebecca Bodenheimer, The Atlantic, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fortitude 
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin fortitudin-, fortitudo, from fortis — see fortify
First Known Use
12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of fortitude was in the 12th century
Dictionary Entries Near fortitude
Cite this Entry
“Fortitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fortitude. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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Last Updated: 23 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences
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