patronize

6 definitions • 6 examples

to speak to or behave towards someone as if they are stupid or not important:

Stop patronizing me - I understand the play as well as you do.

to be a regular customer of a shop or restaurant, etc.:

The restaurant was patronized by many artists and writers during the 1920s.

to treat others in a manner that shows you consider yourself to be better or more important than they are:

She’s angry, smart, and not about to be patronized.

to be a regular customer of a shop, restaurant, hotel, etc.:

Special offer coupons can be effective in motivating shoppers to patronize certain establishments.

to speak to or behave towards someone as if they are stupid or not important:

Additional research has found that 70% of people feel patronised by advertising.

to support an activity or a public organization, especially by giving money:

For sale are objets d'art inspired and patronized by China's emperors for 4,000 years.