humanitarian

adjective more humanitarian · most humanitarian

1. Relating to people's welfare. So far as the followers of Jesus have woven the humanitarian teachings of their master into the living fibre of their own daily lives, the Christian religion has been a blessing and a civilizer.
2. Being compassionate or humane. [T]his most painful condition [a fractured arm], [...] was brought about through the humanitarian act of saving, and restoring to life, the angelic form of a creature whose very existence was a gigantic balm of Gilead to the lacerated body of our hero, [...]
3. rare Of or pertaining to the belief that Jesus Christ is fully human and not divine. I might further object that ſome Humanitarians would tell you that the doctrine of the atonement is perfectly compatible with the ſimple humanity of Chriſt, ſo that to every perſon of the Humanitarian perſuaſion the former tenet does not appear "mockery and deluſion."
4. historical Synonym of humanist (“relating to humanism”). By the study of natural laws, Humanitarian philosophers know how to distinguish those thoughts, desires and actions which are rewarded, from those that are corrected, and Humanitarian philosophers are thus, next to the God of Nature, the safest guides and greatest benefactors of mankind; for, not a

   Similar: humanist

noun humanitarians

1. A person concerned with people's welfare; a do-gooder or philanthropist. But if we doubt the humanity of the social theories of [Bartolomé de] Las Casas, and the humanitarians of the sixteenth century, what verdict may not posterity accord to those of [William] Wilberforce and the humanitarians of the nineteenth century, when it contemplates the results of their social e
2. rare One who believes that Jesus Christ is fully human and not divine. But it will be demanded, how happened it that Irenæus, the pupil of that Polycarp who is repreſented to have been a Humanitarian, ſhould become a zealous advocate for the Deity of Chriſt?
3. historical Synonym of humanist (“a person who believes in the philosophy of humanism”). Therefore, Humanitarians alone devote their present lives to create heavens within themselves and others, and a real paradise upon earth, because they do not waste their time with Pagan delusions, Sceptical doubts, and Atheistical selfishness, but live happily in the present by preparing for themsel

   Similar: humanist

Similar: Good Samaritan, altruist, angel, benefactor, do-gooder, gentleman, humanitarian, mensch, noble, nobleman, paragon, philanthropist, saint · Opposite: jerk, schmuck, villain