humanitarian

[ hyoo-man-i-tair-ee-uhnor, often, 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 Words From

• anti·hu·mani·tari·an adjective noun
• semi·hu·mani·tari·an adjective noun
• unhu·mani·tari·an adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of humanitarian¹

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

Example Sentences

Israel must approve all imports to Palestinian land, including medical supplies, even those donated by humanitarian organizations.

From Popular-Science

I hope that world leaders will come together to address the climate crisis with the urgency and ambition needed to avert such a global humanitarian issue.

From Vox

A government-imposed communications blackout cut off the internet and phone lines, limiting access for journalists and humanitarian groups.

From Vox

“Home Work,” by Julie Andrews with Emma Walton HamiltonThe Oscar-winning actress looks back on her life in Hollywood — filming “The Sound of Music” and “Mary Poppins,” among other hits — and her humanitarian work in Vietnam.

From Washington Post

Numerous countries are opening their doors to these migrants, both for humanitarian reasons as well as the opportunity to attract high-skilled workers.

From Quartz

Paula Kweskin is an attorney specializing in international humanitarian and human rights law.

From The Daily Beast

With the harsh Middle Eastern winter approaching fast, what people in Syria and Iraq need most, in fact, is humanitarian support.

From The Daily Beast

By 27 September, there were 1,400 people in the grounds of the embassy, creating a small humanitarian crisis.

From The Daily Beast

Humanitarian organizations had already pulled out, and French troops rushed in to extract the 15 foreigners left in the city.

From The Daily Beast

The precious cargo: two American humanitarian workers with Ebola.

From The Daily Beast

How literally true it is that in this special form of social and humanitarian work we are seeking to save that which is lost!

From Project Gutenberg

Humanitarian movements,—the abolition of the slave trade, the cause of Greece and Italy,—were European.

From Project Gutenberg

The idealism of the eighteenth century was not reformative and humanistic, but revolutionary and humanitarian.

From Project Gutenberg

There was something inhuman even in their humanitarian zeal.

From Project Gutenberg

For hospitals are not engaged in a gainful pursuit, regardless of all humanitarian considerations.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• altruistic
• charitable
• humane
• philanthropic