pander
[ pan-der ]
verb (used without object)
to cater to or profit from the weaknesses or vices of others: to pander to the vile tastes of the vulgar masses.
verb (used with object)
to act as a pimp or procurer of clients for (a prostitute).
noun
a panderer.
Origin of pander
1First recorded in 1325–75; earlier pandar(e), generalized use of Middle English name Pandare Pandarus
Other words from pander
- pan·der·age, noun
- pan·der·ism, noun
- pan·der·ly, adjective
Words that may be confused with pander
- panda, pander
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for pander
pander
/ (ˈpændə) /
verb
(intr foll by to) to give gratification (to weaknesses or desires)
(archaic when tr) to act as a go-between in a sexual intrigue (for)
nounAlso: panderer
a person who caters for vulgar desires, esp in order to make money
a person who procures a sexual partner for another; pimp
Origin of pander
1C16 (n): from Pandare Pandarus
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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