altruism

 

al·tru·ism

/ˈalˌtro͞oˌizəm/

noun

1. the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.

   "some may choose to work with vulnerable elderly people out of altruism"

   Similar:

   unselfishness

   selflessness

   self-sacrifice

   self-denial

   consideration

   compassion

   kindness

   goodwill

   decency

   nobility

   public-spiritedness

   generosity

   magnanimity

   liberality

   open-handedness

   free-handedness

   big-heartedness

   lavishness

   benevolence

   beneficence

   philanthropy

   humanitarianism

   charity

   charitableness

   bounty

   bounteousness

   Opposite:

   selfishness

   • Zoology

     behavior of an animal that benefits another at its own expense.

     "reciprocal altruism"