Crossword Genius

The female's love is offered to male for selfless acts (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

heroism

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'selfless acts' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'the female's love is offered to male' is the wordplay.
'the female's' becomes 'her' (I've seen this before).
'love' becomes 'o' (love means zero in tennis).
'offered to' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'male' becomes 'm' (common abbreviation).
'her'+'o'+'is'+'m'='HEROISM'

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for heroism that I've seen before include "Very brave conduct or act of valour" , "Outstanding courage" , "Courageous quality" , "Gallantry" , "Oh miser! (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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