humanitarian

hu-man-i-tar-i-an · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare; relating to the alleviation of suffering.

  2. 2.

    A person who seeks to promote human welfare; a philanthropist.

  3. 3.

    Relating to the promotion of human rights and social reform.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    humanitarian aid — assistance given to people in distress
  • •
    humanitarian crisis — a situation where many people's lives and well-being are at risk
  • •
    humanitarian intervention — action by external parties to protect people in another state

Related words

See also: aid, charity, humane, philanthropy
Synonyms: altruistic, benevolent, charitable, philanthropic

Etymology

From Latin humanitas ("human nature, humanity") + English suffix -arian. First used in the early 19th century.