philanthropy

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Benevolent altruism with the intention of increasing the well-being of humankind.

   Secondly, Another excellent Diſpoſition in Chriſt, is his Love, not only his Phylanthropy, or good Will he bears to all men, and the Deſire he hath of their Salvation, Ezek[iel] 33. 11.

2. 2
   noun

   Charitable giving, charity.

   As public funding is reduced, we depend increasingly on private philanthropy.

3. 3
   noun

   A philanthropic act.

   His tombstone lists his various philanthropies.

4. 4
   noun

   A charitable foundation.

   the Rockefeller philanthropies

5. 5
   noun

   voluntary promotion of human welfare

Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin philanthrōpia, itself a borrowing from Ancient Greek φιλανθρωπία (philanthrōpía). By surface analysis, phil- + -anthropy.