humanitarians

Noun

humanitarian (plural 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...1856, J[ohn] S. Thrasher, “Preliminary Essay”, in Alexander Humboldt [i.e., Alexander von Humboldt], translated by J. S. Thrasher, The Island of Cuba, […], New York, N.Y.: Derby & Jackson, […]...
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?[1792], Benjamin Hobhouse, “Letter IV”, in A Reply to the Rev. F[rancis] Randolph’s Letter to the Rev. Dr. [Joseph] Priestley; or, An Examination of the Rev. F. Randolph’s “Scriptural Revision of...
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...1876, Joachim Kaspary, Natural Laws; or The Infallible Criterion, London: J. A. Brook & Co., […], →OCLC, page 136

   Synonyms:

   humanist

See all 7 meanings of humanitarian