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Definition of patronize - 3 dictionary results

pa⋅tron⋅ize

  [pey-truh-nahyz, pa‑]
Use patronize in a Sentence
–verb (used with object), -ized, -iz⋅ing.
1. to give (a store, restaurant, hotel, etc.) one's regular patronage; trade with.
2. to behave in an offensively condescending manner toward: a professor who patronizes his students.
3. to act as a patron toward (an artist, institution, etc.); support.
Also, especially British, pa⋅tron⋅ise.

Origin:
1580–90; patron + -ize

Related forms:
pa⋅tron⋅iz⋅a⋅ble, adjective
pa⋅tron⋅i⋅za⋅tion, noun
pa⋅tron⋅iz⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To patronize
pa·tron·ize   (pā'trə-nīz', pāt'rə-)   
tr.v.   pa·tron·ized, pa·tron·iz·ing, pa·tron·iz·es

  1. To act as a patron to; support or sponsor.

  2. To go to as a customer, especially on a regular basis.

  3. To treat in a condescending manner.

pa'tron·i·za'tion (-trə-nĭ-zā'shən) n., pa'tron·iz'ing·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

patronize 
1589, "to act as a patron towards," from patron (q.v.). Meaning "treat in a condescending way" is first attested 1797; sense of "give regular business to" is 1801.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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