patronize
[ pey-truh-nahyz, pa‐ ]
to behave in an offensively condescending manner toward
USE 1
She did not appreciate the way he would patronize her in meetings, as if she were incapable of understanding basic concepts.
USE 2
Trying to explain technology to his elderly neighbor, he struggled not to patronize her, remembering that she, too, had once been an innovator in her field.
USE 3
When he began to patronize the new team members, suggesting they were too inexperienced to contribute effectively, it created a palpable tension in the office.
