pander

[pan-der]

verb (used without object)

1. to cater to or profit from the weaknesses or vices of others.

   to pander to the vile tastes of the vulgar masses.

verb (used with object)

1. to act as a pimp or procurer of clients for (a prostitute).

noun

1. a panderer.

pander

/ ˈpændə /

verb

1. to give gratification (to weaknesses or desires)

2. (archaic when tr) to act as a go-between in a sexual intrigue (for)

noun

1. a person who caters for vulgar desires, esp in order to make money

2. a person who procures a sexual partner for another; pimp

Other Word Forms

• panderage noun
• panderism noun
• panderly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pander¹

First recorded in 1325–75; earlier pandar(e), generalized use of Middle English name Pandare Pandarus

Word History and Origins

Origin of pander¹

C16 (n): from Pandare _Pandarus

Example Sentences

First, good on Mazzulla to straight-up treat the kid as the reporter he clearly is, and answer the question directly, without pandering or turning it into some sort of saccharine after-school special.

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Petro's policies were "pandering to the gringos, who are thirsty for the blood of Colombian children," Mordisco said, referring to Americans.

Read more on Barron's

Some Labour lawmakers accused the government of pandering to right-wing voters.

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Left to her own devices by a pandering script, she alone draws the line where loneliness ends and freedom begins, keeping “Die My Love” from plunging completely into its self-made inferno.

Read more on Salon

The opposition Conservative Party has accused the Labour government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer of pandering to the Chinese state by dropping the case to expand trade ties, an accusation the government denied.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal