'Patronize' definitions:

Definition of 'patronize'

From: WordNet
verb
Assume sponsorship of [syn: sponsor, patronize, patronise]
verb
Do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of [syn: patronize, patronise, shop, shop at, buy at, frequent, sponsor] [ant: boycott]
verb
Treat condescendingly [syn: patronize, patronise, condescend]
verb
Be a regular customer or client of; "We patronize this store"; "Our sponsor kept our art studio going for as long as he could" [syn: patronize, patronise, patronage, support, keep going]

Definition of 'Patronize'

From: GCIDE
  • Patronize \Pa"tron*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Patronized; p. pr. & vb. n. Patronizing.]
  • 1. To act as patron toward; to support; to countenance; to favor; to aid. [1913 Webster]
  • The idea has been patronized by two States only. --A. Hamilton. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To trade with customarily; to frequent as a customer. [Commercial Cant] [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To assume the air of a patron, or of a superior and protector, toward; -- used in an unfavorable sense; as, to patronize one's equals. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'patronize'

From: Moby Thesaurus