samaritan

Altruist toward strangers

A samaritan is someone who helps a stranger in distress, from the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan.

The word usually appears with "good" attached: A good samaritan stopped to help change her tire.

Laws called Good Samaritan laws protect people who assist others in emergencies from liability.

The lowercase form emphasizes the general sense of charitable helper rather than ethnic or religious identity. (Capitalized Samaritan refers to a person from ancient Samaria or a member of the surviving religious community.)

compassion

kindness

Considerate, caring disposition

empathySharing another's emotions
mercyCompassion toward offenders
sympathyCompassionate understanding of others

concern · caring · warmth · gentleness · tenderness · understanding · selflessness · humanity · decency · grace

helper

volunteer

Unpaid willing participant

rescuerOne who saves others
benefactorOne who gives aid
caregiverOne providing daily assistance

bystander · stranger · passerby · aide · neighbor · advocate · protector · guardian · mentor · guide

charitable

donation

Voluntary charitable gift

reliefEasing of distress
aidSupport given freely
assistanceSupport or aid given

support · contribution · giving · service · outreach · hotline · helpline · shelter · organization · foundation

samaritan

kindness

volunteer

donation

samaritan

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

Family