- The definition of patronize is to be kind or helpful to someone, but to talk to them as if they are inferior.
An example of patronize is when someone speaks slowly to an older person who can hear perfectly well.
- To patronize is defined as to support someone or something.
An example of patronize is when a wealthy person funds the work of an artist.
- Patronize means to be a regular customer of a business.
An example of patronize is going to a specific café every morning.
- to act as a patron toward; sponsor; support
- to be kind or helpful to, but in a haughty or snobbish way, as if dealing with an inferior
- to be a regular customer of (a store, merchant, etc.)
transitive verbpa·tron·ized, pa·tron·iz·ing, pa·tron·iz·es
- To act as a patron to; support or sponsor: donors who patronize the orchestra.
- To go to as a customer, especially on a regular basis: We patronize the local diner.
- To treat in a condescending manner, often in showing interest or kindness that is insincere: felt she was being patronized by her supervisor.
(third-person singular simple present patronizes, present participle patronizing, simple past and past participle patronized)
Old English patron (reborrowed from Latin patronus, derived from Latin pater (“father")) +"Ž -ize (“(verb ending)").