Dictionary.com

patronize

[ pey-truh-nahyz, pa‐ ]
/ ˈpeɪ trəˌnaɪz, ˈpæ‐ /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: patronize / patronizing / patronization on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), pa·tron·ized, pa·tron·iz·ing.
to give (a store, restaurant, hotel, etc.) one's regular patronage; trade with.
to behave in an offensively condescending manner toward: a professor who patronizes his students.
to act as a patron toward (an artist, institution, etc.); support.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Also especially British, pa·tron·ise .

Origin of patronize

First recorded in 1580–90; patron + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM patronize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use patronize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for patronize

patronize

patronise

/ (ˈpætrəˌnaɪz) /

verb
to behave or treat in a condescending way
(tr) to act as a patron or patroness by sponsoring or bringing trade to

Derived forms of patronize

patronizer or patroniser, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK