altruist

[al-troo-ist]

See more synonyms for altruist on Thesaurus.com

noun

a person unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others (opposed to egoist).

Origin of altruist

1865–70; < French altruiste; see altruism, -ist

Related formshy·per·al·tru·ist, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for altruist

contributor, donor, benefactor, patron, promoter, philanthropist, backer, protector, supporter, helper, do-gooder, altruist, angel, assistant, humanitarian, mark, subscriber, fan, sponsor, aid

Examples from the Web for altruist

Historical Examples of altruist

To be the altruist, one must first be the egoist (say the philosophers), to give, one must first have.
The Tyranny of the Dark
Hamlin Garland
If I had your altruist emotional temperament, I should not hesitate for a moment.
Robert Elsmere
Mrs. Humphry Ward
On our knees the egotist must die, and the altruist be born.
My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year
John Henry Jowett
In point of fact, of course, he is no more an altruist than any other healthy mammal.
The American Credo
George Jean Nathan
In the pastor Sudermann attempts to paint the altruist in action.
Iconoclasts
James Huneker

Word Origin and History for altruist

n.

1842, from French; see altruism + -ist.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper