Samaritan

Meanings

Noun

• A native, or inhabitant of Samaria; especially one practising the religious traditions originating in that region.
• A charitable person, one who helps others (from the Bible story in Luke 10:30–37).
• A person who works for the Samaritans telephone helpline, taking calls from suicidal members of the public.

Adjective

• Of, or relating to Samaria or Samaritans.

Proper Noun

• The ancient language of Samaria: a dialect of Hebrew.

Origin

• From Latin Samarītānus, from Ancient Greek Σαμαρείτης, from Σαμαρεία, derived from Biblical Hebrew שֹׁמְרוֹנִים and שֹׁמְרוֹן respectively. Attested in Old English.