Dictionary

patronize

verb pa·tron·ize \ˈpā-trə-ˌnīz, ˈpa-\

: to give money or support to (someone or something)

: to talk to (someone) in a way that shows that you believe you are more intelligent or better than other people

: to be a frequent or regular customer or user of (a place)

pa·tron·izedpa·tron·iz·ing

Full Definition of PATRONIZE

transitive verb
1
:  to act as patron of :  provide aid or support for
2
:  to adopt an air of condescension toward :  treat haughtily or coolly
3
:  to be a frequent or regular customer or client of
pa·tron·i·za·tion \ˌpā-trə-nə-ˈzā-shən, ˌpa-\ noun
pa·tron·iz·ing·ly \ˈpā-trə-ˌnī-ziŋ-lē, ˈpa-\ adverb
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Examples of PATRONIZE

  1. For the court to come around, at this late date, to acknowledging our existence as free persons is shockingly patronizing; it's condescension that has been cast as liberation. —John Cloud, Time, 7 July 2003

Origin of PATRONIZE

(see patron)
First Known Use: 1589

Rhymes with PATRONIZE

advertise, agonize, alchemize, analyze, anglicize, anodize, anywise, aphorize, arborize, atomize, authorize, autolyze, balkanize, barbarize, bastardize, bestialize, bolshevize, booby prize, botanize, bowdlerize, brutalize, canalize, canonize, capsulize, caramelize, carbonize, cartelize, catalyze, catechize, cauterize, centralize, channelize, Christianize, cicatrize, circumcise, civilize, classicize, colonize, colorize, communize, compromise, concertize, concretize, creolize, criticize, customize, demonize, deputize, dialyze, digitize, disfranchise, dogmatize, dramatize, elegize, empathize, emphasize, energize, enfranchise, enterprise, equalize, erotize, eternize, etherize, eulogize, euphemize, exercise, exorcise, factorize, fantasize, federalize, feminize, fertilize, feudalize, fictionize, finalize, focalize, formalize, formulize, fossilize, fragmentize, fraternize, gallicize, galvanize, germanize, ghettoize, glamorize, globalize, gormandize, gothicize, gourmandize, grecianize, harmonize, heathenize, hebraize, hellenize, heroize, hierarchize, humanize, hybridize, hypnotize, idolize, immunize, iodize, ionize, ironize, Islamize, itemize, jeopardize, journalize, Judaize, laicize, latinize, legalize, lionize, liquidize, localize, magnetize, marbleize, martyrize, maximize, mechanize, melanize, melodize, memorize, merchandise, mesmerize, methodize, metricize, minimize, mobilize, modernize, moisturize, mongrelize, moralize, motorize, mythicize, narcotize, nasalize, nebulize, neutralize, normalize, notarize, novelize, obelize, odorize, optimize, organize, ostracize, otherwise, oversize, oxidize, paganize, palletize, paradise, paralyze, pasteurize, pauperize, penalize, penny-wise, personalize, pidginize, plasticize, Platonize, pluralize, pocket-size, poetize, polarize, polemize, pressurize, privatize, profitwise, prussianize, publicize, pulverize, racialize, randomize, rationalize, realize, recognize, rhapsodize, robotize, romanize, sanitize, satirize, scandalize, schematize, schismatize, scrutinize, sensitize, sermonize, signalize, simonize, sinicize, slenderize, sloganize, socialize, sodomize, solarize, solemnize, specialize, stabilize, Stalinize, standardize, sterilize, stigmatize, strategize, subsidize, summarize, supervise, syllogize, symbolize, sympathize, synchronize, syncretize, synopsize, synthesize, systemize, tantalize, televise, temporize, tenderize, terrorize, tetanize, teutonize, texturize, theorize, thermalize, totalize, tranquilize, traumatize, tyrannize, unionize, unitize, urbanize, utilize, valorize, vandalize, vaporize, verbalize, vernalize, victimize, vitalize, vocalize, vulcanize, vulgarize, weather-wise, weatherize, westernize, winterize, womanize, worldly-wise
PATRONIZING Defined for Kids

patronize

verb pa·tron·ize \ˈpā-trə-ˌnīz, ˈpa-trə-\
pa·tron·izedpa·tron·iz·ing

Definition of PATRONIZE for Kids

1
:  to act as a supporter of <He patronizes the arts.>
2
:  to be a customer of <She prefers to patronize a neighborhood store.>
3
:  to treat (a person) as if he or she were not as good or less important

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