humanitarian

[ hyoo-man-i-tair-ee-uhnor, often, yoo- ]

adjective

1. having concern for or helping to improve the welfare and happiness of people.
2. of or relating to ethical or theological humanitarianism.
3. pertaining to the saving of human lives or to the alleviation of suffering:

   a humanitarian crisis.

noun

1. a person actively engaged in promoting human welfare and social reforms, as a philanthropist.
2. a person who professes ethical or theological humanitarianism.

humanitarian

/ hjuːˌmænɪˈtɛərɪən /

adjective

1. having the interests of mankind at heart
2. of or relating to ethical or theological humanitarianism

noun

1. a philanthropist
2. an adherent of humanitarianism

Other Words From

• anti·hu·mani·tari·an adjective noun
• semi·hu·mani·tari·an adjective noun
• unhu·mani·tari·an adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of humanitarian¹

First recorded in 1810–20; humanit(y) + -arian

Example Sentences

The US has been criticised by humanitarian organisations for deciding to supply Ukraine with landmines, as the war in eastern Europe rages on.

From BBC

But even the most optimistic of humanitarians don’t think this is a solution in the short- or even medium-term, or that £84m is enough to fix the problems.

From BBC

The humanitarian group denounced the violence in a strongly worded statement last week, saying their personnel had been tear-gassed and held against their will for several hours.

From BBC

Following its “initial success,” the task force doubled in size after receiving a $30-million federal investment to halt drug trafficking by transnational criminal organizations and address humanitarian and security efforts, state officials say.

From Los Angeles Times

“One thing to understand is that this program does not have a humanitarian purpose. It has a law enforcement purpose,” Hahn said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• altruistic
• charitable
• humane
• philanthropic