sponsor

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 a person or company that pays for a radio or television programme, or for a concert or sporting event, usually in return for advertising: The race organizers are trying to attract sponsors. * The first episode of the new programme attracted the number of viewers that the sponsors had been guaranteed. 2 a person who agrees to give sb money for a charity if that person succeeds in completing a particular activity: I'm collecting sponsors for next week's charity run. 3 a person or company that supports sb by paying for their training or education: Unless he can find a sponsor he'll be forced to retire from athletics. 4 a person who introduces and supports a proposal for a new law, etc: the sponsor of the new immigration bill 5 a person who agrees to be officially responsible for another person 6 a person who presents a child for Christian BAPTISM or CONFIRMATION SYNGODPARENT verb 1 [VN] (of a company, etc.) to pay the costs of a particular event, programme, etc. as a way of advertising: sports events sponsored by the tobacco industry 2 [VN] to arrange for sth official to take place: The US is sponsoring negotiations between the two sides. 3 to agree to give sb money for a charity if they complete a particular task: [VN] Will you sponsor me for a charity walk I'm doing? * a sponsored walk / swim [also VNtoinf] 4 [VN] to support sb by paying for their training or education: She found a company to sponsor her through college. 5 [VN] (technical) to introduce a proposal for a new law, etc: The bill was sponsored by a Labour MP.