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

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.

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You don’t pander, and you don’t pretend complexity doesn’t exist.

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They accused him of pandering to the far right.

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

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

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