patronize

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To talk to someone as if they were less intelligent or important than you.

   Don't patronize me; I understand the situation perfectly well.

2. 2
   verb

   To be a regular customer of a shop or business.

   Locals have patronized the same bakery for generations.

3. 3
   verb

   To support or sponsor a person, organization, or cause.

   Wealthy families once patronized young artists and musicians.

From patron + -ize (verb ending); or from Old French patroniser, from Medieval Latin patronizāre (“to lead a galley as patron”). Piecewise doublet of patternize.

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