superhero

From super- +‎ hero. First attested in 1917.[1]

• (US) IPA^(key): /s(j)upɚhɪɹoʊ/

Mighty Mouse in "Wolf! Wolf!" (1945)

superhero (plural superheroes)

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.
   • 1990 February 13, Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes (comic):

     Hobbes: Super heroes wear snow pants?
     Stupendous Man: When there's snow out, they do!

2. (by extension) 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!

   • 1991, Boys' Life‎, volume 81, number 1, page 42:

     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.

• supervillain

• superheroic
• superheroine
• superhuman
• superman

• 🦸‍♂️