benefaction

American  

[ben-uh-fak-shuhn, ben-uh-fak-] / ˈbɛn əˌfæk ʃən, ˌbɛn əˈfæk- /

noun

1. an act of conferring a benefit; the doing of good; a good deed.

   He is known throughout the region for his many benefactions.

2. the benefit conferred; charitable donation.

   to solicit benefactions for earthquake victims.

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benefaction British  

/ ˌbɛnɪˈfækʃən /

noun

1. the act of doing good, esp by giving a donation to charity

2. the donation or help given

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Etymology

Origin of benefaction

1655–65; < Late Latin benefactiōn- (stem of benefactiō ), equivalent to Latin bene bene- + fact ( us ) done ( fact ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Instead of experiencing a benefaction as a good turn, people sometimes regard it as a mere payment of what they are owed, for which no one deserves any moral credit.

From Salon

Far more egregious was Elihu Yale, the philanthropist whose benefactions helped found the university.

From The Wall Street Journal

We no longer have the luxury of altruism or world benefaction.

From Salon

All these benefactions have become factors in the insistence on exclusivity since their trust deeds allow only Parsi-Zoroastrians to access them.

From BBC

On a truncated granite obelisk is carved a tribute: “A man upright in his aims, simple in his habits, sublime in his benefaction.”

From New York Times