patronize Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb assume sponsorship of
    patronise; sponsor.
  2. verb do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
    shop; buy at; patronise; sponsor; shop at; frequent.
  3. verb treat condescendingly
    condescend; patronise.
  4. verb be a regular customer or client of
    patronage; support; patronise; keep going.
    • We patronize this store
    • Our sponsor kept our art studio going for as long as he could

WordNet

Pa"tron*ize transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Patronized ; present participle & verbal noun Patronizing
Definitions
  1. To act as patron toward; to support; to countenance; to favor; to aid.
    The idea has been patronized by two States only. A. Hamilton.
  2. To trade with customarily; to frequent as a customer. Commercial Cant
  3. To assume the air of a patron, or of a superior and protector, toward; -- used in an unfavorable sense; as, to patronize one's equals.

Webster 1913