patronize
pat|ron|ize /p'ætrənaɪz, AM p'eɪt-/ (patronizes patronizing patronized)
in BRIT, also use patronise
1 [VERB] V n, V-ed
If someone patronizes you, they speak or behave towards you in a way which seems friendly, but which shows that they think they are superior to you in some way.
Don't you patronize me!...
Cornelia often felt patronised by her tutors.
2 [VERB] V n
Someone who patronizes artists, writers, or musicians supports them and gives them money. (FORMAL)
The Japanese Imperial family patronises the Japanese Art Association.
3 [VERB] V n
If someone patronizes a place such as a pub, bar, or hotel, they are one of its customers. (FORMAL)
The ladies of Berne liked to patronize the Palace for tea and little cakes.
= frequent
in BRIT, also use patronise
1 [VERB] V n, V-ed
If someone patronizes you, they speak or behave towards you in a way which seems friendly, but which shows that they think they are superior to you in some way.
Don't you patronize me!...
Cornelia often felt patronised by her tutors.
2 [VERB] V n
Someone who patronizes artists, writers, or musicians supports them and gives them money. (FORMAL)
The Japanese Imperial family patronises the Japanese Art Association.
3 [VERB] V n
If someone patronizes a place such as a pub, bar, or hotel, they are one of its customers. (FORMAL)
The ladies of Berne liked to patronize the Palace for tea and little cakes.
= frequent