1. to treat someone in a condescending way, as if they are less intelligent or important
2. to be a regular customer of a business or establishment
3. to support or sponsor someone, especially an artist or cause

Examples

• Don’t patronize me by explaining things I already know.
• She felt patronized when her boss spoke to her like a child.
• We patronize the local coffee shop every morning.
• The family has patronized this restaurant for decades.
• The wealthy businessman patronized several young artists.
• The foundation patronizes educational programs in rural areas.
• Please don’t patronize the competition by shopping there.