Patronize in the sense “to provide aid or support for” refers to the sort of patron who gives money or assistance. Such a person might, for example, patronize the arts.

PATRONIZE meaning: 1. to speak to or behave towards someone as if they are stupid or not important: 2. to be a…. Learn more.

PATRONIZE definition: to give (a store, restaurant, hotel, etc.) one's regular patronage; trade with. See examples of patronize used in a sentence.

Definition of patronize verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

To act as a patron to; support or sponsor: donors who patronize the orchestra. 2. To go to as a customer, especially on a regular basis: We patronize the local diner. 3. To treat in a …

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!

Jan 3, 2026 · patronize (third-person singular simple present patronizes, present participle patronizing, simple past and past participle patronized) (transitive) To act as a patron of; to …

patronize, v. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

pa•tron•ize /ˈpeɪtrəˌnaɪz, ˈpæ-/ v. [~ + object], -ized, -iz•ing. to give (a store, hotel, etc.) one's regular business: He patronizes the same coffee shop daily. to behave in an arrogant, proud, …

If you patronize a business, you shop there regularly. But if someone patronizes you, it's not so pleasant — they talk to you as if you were inferior or not very intelligent. Patronize comes from …