benefactor
[ben-uh-fak-ter, ben-uh-fak-]
- a person who confers a benefit; kindly helper.
- a person who makes a bequest or endowment, as to an institution.
Show More
Origin of benefactor
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
patronpromoterphilanthropistbackercontributorprotectorsupporterhelperangelassistanthumanitarianmarksubscriberfansponsoraidaltruistwell-wishergrubstakerExamples from the Web for benefactor
Contemporary Examples
He used to pay $55, says Abu Omar, but wages were cut recently because the benefactor could not afford to continue at that rate.
Millions of Refugees from Syria’s War Are Clinging to Life In Toxic ConditionsChristopher Looney
April 14, 2014
Her benefactor is simply “him,” “my man,” and sometimes even “lover;” but not “boyfriend,” and never “husband.”
Producer/comedienne Louise Palanker, who was a mentor and benefactor to the Arvizo family, was also there.
The good count was/is a local big shot and benefactor, but I can't seem to find out anything else about him.
Hizbullah will still dominate Lebanon and will still have its Iranian benefactor.
Historical Examples
Had you been poor, how delightful would it have been to labour for my benefactor!
He is thy Father--thy Creator--thy Benefactor, and what hast thou to pay?
Female Scripture Biographies, Vol. IIFrancis Augustus Cox
The physician's accomplice, undertaker's benefactor and grave worm's provider.
The Devil's DictionaryAmbrose Bierce
Was not the intention of his benefactor apparent from the letters?
Tales And Novels, Volume 9 (of 10)Maria Edgeworth
They were standing beside the car, Joshua slightly behind his benefactor.
The Big TomorrowPaul Lohrman
benefactor
- a person who supports or helps a person, institution, etc, esp by giving money; patron
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for benefactor
n.
mid-15c., from Late Latin benefactor, from Latin phrase bene facere, from bene "well" (see bene-) + facere "to do" (see factitious). Translated in Old English as wel-doend.
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper