philanthropize

A philanthropist decides to philanthropize by funding a new community library.

Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To make philanthropic: "philanthropize" means to cause someone to become philanthropic or to imbue with a love of humanity and charitable tendencies.
   • To benefit through philanthropy: It also means to give charitable aid or assistance to someone or something.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To engage in philanthropic activities: To act philanthropically, such as by donating money, time, or resources for the public good.

Usage Examples

• Transitive verb:

  • The new program aims to philanthropize the wealthy elite. (To make them more charitable and concerned with human welfare.)
  • She sought to philanthropize the struggling community by funding a new school. (To benefit the community through charitable giving.)

• Intransitive verb:

  • He decided to philanthropize in his retirement, volunteering at local shelters. (To engage in philanthropic acts.)

Advanced Usage

• "to philanthropize an institution": to provide charitable support or endowments to an organization.

  • The donor chose to philanthropize the university with a large scholarship fund. (To give charitable money to the university.)

• "philanthropize a cause": to support a specific social or humanitarian cause through donations or advocacy.

  • She philanthropized environmental conservation by funding reforestation projects. (Supported the cause charitably.)

Variants and Related Words

• Philanthropy (n): the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by generous donations of money.

  • His philanthropy transformed the local hospital. (His charitable giving.)

• Philanthropist (n): a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes.

  • Andrew Carnegie was a famous philanthropist. (A charitable person.)

• Philanthropic (adj): of or relating to the desire to help others; charitable.

  • She made a philanthropic donation to the arts. (Charitable.)

Synonyms

• Humanize: to make more humane or compassionate; to civilize.
• Benefit: to do good to; to be of advantage to.
• Endow: to provide with a permanent fund or source of income, often for charitable purposes.

Phrasal Verbs

• Philanthropize into: to cause someone to become philanthropic through influence or persuasion.
  • The community leader philanthropized the businessman into funding the youth center. (Persuaded him to be charitable.)

Related Idioms

• Give back to society: to contribute charitably to the community.

  • After making his fortune, he felt it was time to give back to society. (To philanthropize.)

• Put one's money where one's mouth is: to take action to support one's stated beliefs, especially by donating money.

  • If you truly care about education, you should put your money where your mouth is and philanthropize. (Act charitably.)