Samaritanism
/ˌsæməˈrɪtənˌɪzəm/noun
The quality or practice of showing compassionate help to others, especially strangers or those in need.
Did you know?The modern idea behind “Samaritan” was supercharged by the New Testament parable of the Good Samaritan, where an outsider becomes the model of sacred compassion.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Hebrew
Heb
שֹׁמְרוֹן (Shomron)
“Samaria, the name of the region and its capital”
Greek
Gk
Σαμαρείτης (Samareitēs)
“A Samaritan; an inhabitant of Samaria”
Latin
Lat
Samaritanus
“A Samaritan”
Old French
OFr
samaritain
“A Samaritan”
Middle English
ME
samaritan
“A Samaritan; later, a charitable helper”
Modern English
Eng
samaritanism
“The practice or spirit of Samaritan-like charity”
Explore more surprising origins