Library / English Dictionary

PATRONIZE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (verb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Be a regular customer or client of

Example:

Our sponsor kept our art studio going for as long as he could

Synonyms:

keep going; patronage; patronise; patronize; support

Classified under:

Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing

Hypernyms (to "patronize" is one way to...):

foster; nurture (help develop, help grow)

Verb group:

keep going; run on (continue uninterrupted)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody

Derivation:

patron (a regular customer)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Treat condescendingly

Synonyms:

condescend; patronise; patronize

Classified under:

Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing

Hypernyms (to "patronize" is one way to...):

interact (act together or towards others or with others)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "patronize"):

stoop to (make concessions to)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s somebody

Sense 3

Meaning:

Assume sponsorship of

Synonyms:

patronise; patronize; sponsor

Classified under:

Verbs of buying, selling, owning

Hypernyms (to "patronize" is one way to...):

support (support materially or financially)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "patronize"):

cosponsor (sponsor together with another sponsor)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody

Sentence example:

Sam and Sue patronize the movie

Derivation:

patron (someone who supports or champions something)

Sense 4

Meaning:

Do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of

Synonyms:

buy at; frequent; patronise; patronize; shop; shop at; sponsor

Classified under:

Verbs of political and social activities and events

Hypernyms (to "patronize" is one way to...):

back up; support (give moral or psychological support, aid, or courage to)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody

Antonym:

boycott (refuse to sponsor; refuse to do business with)

Derivation:

patron (a regular customer)

Credits

 Context examples: 

"I hate to be patronized, and the Chesters think it's a great favor to allow us to help with their highly connected fair. I wonder you consented, Amy, they only want you to work."

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

As the four sisters went home through the garden, Miss Kate looked after them, saying, without the patronizing tone in her voice, In spite of their demonstrative manners, American girls are very nice when one knows them.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Some persons might have considered these pleasing liberties as bribes, but Demi didn't see it in that light, and continued to patronize the 'the bear-man' with pensive affability, while Daisy bestowed her small affections upon him at the third call, and considered his shoulder her throne, his arm her refuge, his gifts treasures surpassing worth.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)