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patronize

[ pey-truh-nahyz, pa‐ ]
/ ˈpeɪ trəˌnaɪz, ˈpæ‐ /
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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.
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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

Words related to patronize

deign, snub, befriend, subscribe to, frequent, favor, indulge, stoop, assist, back, foster, fund, help, maintain, promote, sponsor, buy, look down on, pat on the back, talk down to

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
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