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

"It is no longer about illegal miners – this is a humanitarian crisis," said Ms Thabane.

From BBC

It accuses Israeli authorities of blocking “all but a small fraction of the necessary humanitarian aid, water, electricity, and fuel from reaching civilians in need”, as well as carrying out attacks that have damaged and destroyed vital resources like hospitals and bakeries.

From BBC

The US says Israel has not breached American laws on blocking aid supplies, after a 30-day deadline it gave Israel to boost humanitarian aid access in Gaza or risk having some military assistance cut off lapsed.

From BBC

Joyce Msuya, the United Nations acting under secretary general for humanitarian affairs, said international crimes were being committed in Gaza.

From BBC

Ms Msuya briefed council members at the United Nations on Tuesday, reporting that Israeli authorities were blocking humanitarian assistance from entering North Gaza, where fighting continues.

From BBC

Related Words

• altruistic
• charitable
• humane
• philanthropic