altruism

[ al-troo-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others ( egoism ).
2. Animal Behavior. behavior by an animal that may be to its disadvantage but that benefits others of its kind, as a warning cry that reveals the location of the caller to a predator.

altruism

/ ˈæltruːˌɪzəm /

noun

1. the principle or practice of unselfish concern for the welfare of others
2. the philosophical doctrine that right action is that which produces the greatest benefit to others

altruism

/ ăl′tro̅o̅-ĭz′əm /

1. Instinctive behavior that is detrimental or without reproductive benefit to the individual but that favors the survival or spread of that individual's genes. The willingness of a subordinate member of a wolf pack to forgo mating and help care for the dominant pair's pups is an example of altruistic behavior. While the individual may not reproduce, or may reproduce less often, its behavior helps ensure that a close relative does successfully reproduce, thus passing on a large share of the altruistic individual's genetic material.

altruism

1. A selfless concern for others.

Derived Forms

• ˌaltruˈistically, adverb
• ˈaltruist, noun
• ˌaltruˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• hyper·altru·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of altruism¹

First recorded in 1850–55; from French altruisme, equivalent to autru(i) “others” (with -ui from Latin cui “to whom”; -l- restored from Latin alter “other”) + -isme -ism ( def ); popularized through translation of A. Comte, who perhaps coined it, on the model of égoisme egoism ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of altruism¹

C19: from French altruisme, from Italian altrui others, from Latin alterī, plural of alter other

Example Sentences

Most ants have two morphologically differentiated adult castes -- queens and workers -- each irreversibly specialized for either reproduction or nonreproductive altruism such as foraging, defense and care of maternal brood.

From Science Daily

And, perhaps most notably, it resulted in the creation of foods that repurpose what might otherwise end up in the garbage without sacrificing taste in the interest of altruism.

From Salon

He became known for promoting a tolerant Islam which emphasised altruism, modesty and hard work.

From BBC

Intrigued by altruism, he established the Heroic Imagination Project, devoted to the belief — in his own words — that “each and every seemingly ordinary person on this planet is capable of committing heroic acts.”

From Los Angeles Times

He added: "Rob transcended sport and through the media he was able to get his message out of love, of altruism and benevolence."

From BBC

Related Words

• benevolence
• humanitarianism
• kindness
• selflessness