samaritan
/sə'mæritn/
Definition
- Noun:
- A member of the people inhabiting Samaria in biblical times: A Samaritan is a person belonging to an ancient people who lived in the region of Samaria, as described in the Bible.
- A charitable or helpful person: By extension, a Samaritan is someone who is very generous and willing to help others, especially strangers in distress. This meaning originates from the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Historical/Religious Context):
- The parable tells of a Samaritan who helped a wounded traveler.
- In the New Testament, Jesus spoke to a Samaritan woman at the well.
- Noun (Modern, Figurative Context):
- A kind samaritan stopped to help me change my flat tire.
- The lost child was found safe, thanks to an anonymous samaritan.
Advanced Usage
- "Good Samaritan": This is a fixed phrase used to describe a person who selflessly helps someone in need, often a stranger. It is directly derived from the biblical story.
- The law offers some protection to Good Samaritans who provide emergency assistance.
- We need more Good Samaritans in our community.
Variants and Related Words
- Samaritanism (n): The practices, beliefs, or character associated with Samaritans, either historically or in the modern figurative sense of helpfulness.
- His actions were a true example of modern Samaritanism.
Synonyms
- Helper: A person who helps.
- Benefactor: A person who gives money or other help.
- Altruist: A person who shows selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Related Phrases
- Play the Good Samaritan: To act as a helpful, charitable person in a specific situation.
- He played the Good Samaritan and drove the elderly lady to the hospital.
Noun
-
a member of the people inhabiting Samaria in biblical times
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