Definition of: philanthropy

(fi·lan′thrə·pē) noun plural ·pies
Disposition or effort to promote the happiness or social elevation of mankind; desire, effort, or beneficence, as by making donations, intended to mitigate social evils and increase social comfort; comprehensive benevolence, but often specific in its objects; literally, love of man. See synonyms under BENEVOLENCE. [<LL philanthropia <Gk. philanthrōpia <phileein love + anthropos man]
—phil·an·throp·ic (fil′ən·throp′ik) or ·i·cal adjective
—phil′·an·throp′i·cal·ly adverb
—phi·lan′thro·pist noun