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

Abbas denounced Israel's military offensive in Gaza, accusing it of committing "one of the most horrific humanitarian tragedies of the 20th and 21st Centuries".

From BBC

Israeli authorities say about 9% of humanitarian aid sent by truck to Gaza passes through it.

From BBC

But hundreds of thousands more remain there in dire humanitarian conditions, with health and other essential services collapsing.

From BBC

The GSF has said its goal is to "break the illegal siege on Gaza by sea, open a humanitarian corridor, and end the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people".

From BBC

Dua Lipa has also made her views on the conflict in Gaza public, and had repeatedly called for a "humanitarian cease-fire".

From BBC

Related Words

• altruistic 
• charitable 
• humane 
• philanthropic