humanitarian
Americanadjective
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having concern for or helping to improve the welfare and happiness of people.
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of or relating to ethical or theological humanitarianism.
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pertaining to the saving of human lives or to the alleviation of suffering.
a humanitarian crisis.
noun
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a person actively engaged in promoting human welfare and social reforms, as a philanthropist.
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a person who professes ethical or theological humanitarianism.
adjective
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having the interests of mankind at heart
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of or relating to ethical or theological humanitarianism
noun
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a philanthropist
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an adherent of humanitarianism
Other Word Forms
- antihumanitarian adjective
- semihumanitarian adjective
- unhumanitarian adjective
Etymology
Origin of humanitarian
First recorded in 1810–20; humanit(y) + -arian
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"We continue to call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and protect civilian life," it added.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
Lakanwal, who worked with the CIA, entered the U.S. on humanitarian parole and had a special immigrant visa application under way.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026
Cuba will free 2,010 prisoners as part of a "humanitarian and sovereign gesture," it announced on Thursday, as it faces continued political pressure from the US.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
The State Department has also coordinated humanitarian aid missions with the Catholic Church.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
“Perhaps Curtis Rathbone had humanitarian intentions in the beginning,” JB growled.
From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
