Valor is courage in the face of danger, especially the kind of bravery shown in battle or extremely dangerous situations. When a firefighter runs into a burning building to rescue someone, or when a soldier protects others despite being afraid, that's valor.

Everyone feels scared sometimes, and doing something despite being nervous takes courage. But valor means facing serious, life-threatening danger and choosing to act bravely anyway. It's the kind of heroism that gets recognized with medals and honors because it's exceptional.

You'll often hear about acts of valor in stories about war, like when someone charges into enemy fire to save a wounded friend. But valor shows up in other dangerous moments too: the stranger who dives into icy water to save a drowning child, or the person who stands up against terrible injustice knowing they might be punished.

People who exhibit valor value their duty, others' lives, or doing what's right more than their own safety. It's worth noting that being valorous doesn't mean being reckless. You wouldn't say someone was valorous for jumping into the lion enclosure at the zoo. Valor means acting courageously for something that matters.