humanitarian

[hyoo-man-i-tair-ee-uhn, yoo-]

adjective

1. having concern for or helping to improve the welfare and happiness of people.

2. of or relating to ethical or theological humanitarianism.

3. pertaining to the saving of human lives or to the alleviation of suffering.

   a humanitarian crisis.

noun

1. a person actively engaged in promoting human welfare and social reforms, as a philanthropist.

2. a person who professes ethical or theological humanitarianism.

humanitarian

/ hjuːˌmænɪˈtɛərɪən /

adjective

1. having the interests of mankind at heart

2. of or relating to ethical or theological humanitarianism

noun

1. a philanthropist

2. an adherent of humanitarianism

Other Word Forms

• antihumanitarian adjective
• semihumanitarian adjective
• unhumanitarian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of humanitarian¹

First recorded in 1810–20; humanit(y) + -arian

Example Sentences

Aid groups say humanitarian conditions remain dire, with thousands displaced and medical supplies running low.

From Salon

The flotilla's cargo of aid was confiscated and humanitarian access to Gaza has not improved but Benedetta Scuderi, an MEP for the Green Left Alliance, still calls the trip a "huge achievement".

From BBC

"This is an illegal attack on unarmed humanitarians. We call on governments and international institutions to demand their immediate safety and release," it added.

From BBC

"Fifa cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values."

From BBC

In her statement, O’Neill said the old matching system was “not transparent or efficient enough to meet the needs of L.A.’s humanitarian crisis,” but acknowledged “growing pains” in the new one.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• altruistic 
• charitable 
• humane 
• philanthropic