altruism

[ al-troo-iz-uh m ]
/ ˈæl truˌɪz əm /

noun

the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others (opposed to egoism).
Animal Behavior. behavior by an animal that may be to its disadvantage but that benefits others of its kind, as a warning cry that reveals the location of the caller to a predator.

Origin of altruism

1850–55; < French altruisme, equivalent to autru(i) others (< Vulgar Latin *alterui, oblique form of Latin alter other (> French autre), with -ui from cui to whom; -l- restored from Latin alter) + -isme -ism; popularized through translation of A. Comte, who perhaps coined it, on the model of égoisme egoism

OTHER WORDS FROM altruism

hy·per·al·tru·ism, noun

Example sentences from the Web for altruism

British Dictionary definitions for altruism

altruism
/ (ˈæltruːˌɪzəm) /

noun

the principle or practice of unselfish concern for the welfare of others
the philosophical doctrine that right action is that which produces the greatest benefit to others
Compare egoismSee also utilitarianism

Derived forms of altruism

altruist, noun altruistic, adjective altruistically, adverb

Word Origin for altruism

C19: from French altruisme, from Italian altrui others, from Latin alterī, plural of alter other

Scientific definitions for altruism

altruism
[ ăltrōō-ĭz′əm ]

Instinctive behavior that is detrimental or without reproductive benefit to the individual but that favors the survival or spread of that individual's genes. The willingness of a subordinate member of a wolf pack to forgo mating and help care for the dominant pair's pups is an example of altruistic behavior. While the individual may not reproduce, or may reproduce less often, its behavior helps ensure that a close relative does successfully reproduce, thus passing on a large share of the altruistic individual's genetic material.

Cultural definitions for altruism

altruism
[ (al-trooh-iz-uhm) ]

A selfless concern for others.