patronize

Universal Words (BrE also patronise) verb 1 (disapproving) to treat sb in a way that seems friendly, but which shows that you think that they are not very intelligent, experienced, etc: [VN] Some television programmes tend to patronize children. [also V] 2 [VN] (formal) to be a regular customer of a shop/store, restaurant, etc: The club is patronized by students and locals alike. 3 [VN] to help a particular person, organization or activity by giving them money: She patronizes many contemporary British artists.