benefactor

[ben-uh-fak-ter, ben-uh-fak-]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR benefactor ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a person who confers a benefit; kindly helper.

a person who makes a bequest or endowment, as to an institution.

Nearby words

Origin of benefactor

1425–75; late Middle English benefactour < Late Latin; see bene-, factor

SYNONYMS FOR benefactor

2. patron, supporter, sponsor, backer, protector.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR benefactor ON THESAURUS.COM

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

Examples from the Web for benefactor

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 Conditions|Christopher Looney|April 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Her benefactor is simply “him,” “my man,” and sometimes even “lover;” but not “boyfriend,” and never “husband.”
China’s Concubine Culture Lives On in Mistress Villages|Brendon Hong|April 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Producer/comedienne Louise Palanker, who was a mentor and benefactor to the Arvizo family, was also there.
Gavin Arvizo’s New Beginning: Jackson Abuse Accuser Gets Married at 24|Diane Dimond|December 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The good count was/is a local big shot and benefactor, but I can't seem to find out anything else about him.
The Things Not Asked; Tonight|Michael Tomasky|October 22, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Hizbullah will still dominate Lebanon and will still have its Iranian benefactor.
Hizbullah’s Triumph and Agony|Bruce Riedel|July 23, 2011|DAILY BEAST
As my transports grew more moderate, and I found voice to thank my benefactor, he had still an answer.
A Gentleman of France|Stanley Weyman
If he ceases to be a neighbour, he is still a benefactor and a customer.
The Miscellaneous Writings and Speeches of Lord Macaulay, Vol. 4 (of 4)|Thomas Babington Macaulay
I was impressed with an ardent wish to be able to call this man my benefactor.
Caleb Williams|William Godwin
You cannot see my benefactor, the man I will be giving my life for, but you have heard his voice.
Tales of Our Coast|S. R. Crockett
And how has the benefactor of a great and powerful nation been treated by the British Government?
Sketches of Reforms and Reformers, of Great Britain and Ireland|Henry B. Stanton

British Dictionary definitions for benefactor

benefactor

noun

a person who supports or helps a person, institution, etc, esp by giving money; patron

Derived Formsbenefactress, fem n

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

benefactor

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.

benefactor

noun

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of benefactor

Examples from the Web for benefactor

benefactor

noun

benefactor