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

And is anyone calling for those to be shortened to pander to the attention span of younger audiences?

From BBC

However, other Labour MPs fear the move panders to the party's left, and has not achieved anything.

From BBC

Some argued it pandered to the male gaze and promoted misogynistic stereotypes.

From BBC

She said she wasn't aware of media criticism of the show as "woke" and and thought a headline saying it "pandered to woke culture" was "cute".

From BBC

Of course, Newsom may not care, since at this twilight point of his governorship it’s all about his White House hopes and desire to pander to the Democrats’ aggrieved political base.

From Los Angeles Times