patronize
VerbUS[pey-truh-nahyz]/ˈpeɪtrəˌnaɪz/3 syllablesalso [pat-ruh-nahyz] /ˈpætrəˌnaɪz/
Open English WordNet
Verb (4)patronized, patronizing
- assume sponsorship ofSynonyms: sponsorpatroniseMore general supportMore specific cosponsor
- do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client ofSynonyms: patroniseshopshop atbuy atfrequentsponsorMore general support, back up
- treat condescendinglySynonyms: patronisecondescendMore general interactMore specific stoop to
- be a regular customer or client of“We patronize this store”“Our sponsor kept our art studio going for as long as he could”Synonyms: patronisepatronagesupportkeep goingMore general foster, nurtureSimilar run on, keep going
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ephemeranoun
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Pa′tron·ize transitive verb [past tense & past participle Patronized; present participle & verbal noun Patronizing.]
1. To act as patron toward; to support; to countenance; to favor; to aid.
The idea has been patronized by two States only.— Alexander Hamilton
2. To trade with customarily; to frequent as a customer. Commercial Cant
3. To assume the air of a patron, or of a superior and protector, toward; — used in an unfavorable sense; as, to patronize one's equals.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54