pander

[ pan-der ]
See synonyms for pander on Thesaurus.com
verb (used without object)
  1. 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)
  1. to act as a pimp or procurer of clients for (a prostitute).

noun

Origin of pander

1
First 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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for pander

pander

/ (ˈpændə) /


verb
  1. (intr foll by to) to give gratification (to weaknesses or desires)

  2. (archaic when tr) to act as a go-between in a sexual intrigue (for)

nounAlso: panderer
  1. a person who caters for vulgar desires, esp in order to make money

  2. a person who procures a sexual partner for another; pimp

Origin of pander

1
C16 (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