patronize

UK: /ˈpætrənaɪz/

US: /ˈpeɪtrəˌnaɪz, ˈpæ-/

US: (pā′trə nīz′, pa′-)

Inflections of 'patronize' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

patronizes

v 3rd person singular (US & UK)

patronizing

v pres p (US & UK)

patronized

v past (US & UK)

patronized

v past p (US & UK)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

pa•tron•ize /ˈpeɪtrəˌnaɪz, ˈpæ-/   v. [~ + object] , -ized, -iz•ing. 

1. to give (a store, hotel, etc.) one's regular business:
   He patronizes the same coffee shop daily.
2. to behave in an arrogant, proud, or condescending manner toward:
   "Stop patronizing me,'' she complained to her boss.
3. to act as a patron toward (an artist, etc.);
   support.

pa•tron•iz•er, n. [countable] See -patr-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

pa•tron•ize  (pā′trə nīz′, pa′-), v.t., -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 patonizes his students.
3. to act as a patron toward (an artist, institution, etc.);
   support.

Also,[esp. Brit.,] pa′tron•ise′. 

• patron + -ize 1580–90

pa′tron•iz′a•ble, adj. 
pa′tron•i•za ′tion, n. 
pa ′tron•iz′er, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

patronize, patronise / ˈpætrəˌnaɪz/ verb

1. to behave or treat in a condescending way
2. (transitive) to act as a patron or patroness by sponsoring or bringing trade to

ˈpatronˌizer, ˈpatronˌiser noun