verb
pander
PAN-duh
Pander (verb) means to act in a way that indulges or appeals to someone's weaknesses, desires, or lower tastes, often for personal gain. Example: “The politician was accused of pandering to voters' fears.”
verb
1
To act in a way that indulges or appeals to someone's weaknesses, desires, or lower tastes, often for personal gain.
"The politician was accused of pandering to voters' fears."
"Critics said the film pandered to the lowest common denominator."
noun
1
A person who arranges illicit sexual liaisons for others; a pimp.
"In the old play, the pander helps arrange the secret meeting between the lovers."
How to use pander
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMostly used today as a verb meaning to cater to people's weaknesses or base desires, especially for approval or profit.
Common pairings
pander to
pandering to the crowd
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Word forms
- Plural
- panders
- Third person singular
- panders
- Past tense
- pandered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The politician was accused of _____ to voters' fears.
Etymology
From Pandare, a character in Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde who arranges the love affair between the two title characters — his name became a generic word for someone who enables others' desires.
Related words
Rhymes for pander
See all rhymes for pander →Frequently asked questions
What does “pander” mean?
The word “pander” means to act in a way that indulges or appeals to someone's weaknesses, desires, or lower tastes, often for personal gain. In plain terms, mostly used today as a verb meaning to cater to people's weaknesses or base desires, especially for approval or profit.
How do you pronounce “pander”?
“Pander” is pronounced PAN-duh (/ˈpændə/ in IPA).
How do you use “pander” in a sentence?
Here is “pander” used in a sentence: “The politician was accused of pandering to voters' fears.”
What is another word for “pander”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pander” include hustle.
What part of speech is “pander”?
Depending on how it is used, “pander” can be a verb and a noun.
How many meanings does “pander” have?
“Pander” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to act in a way that indulges or appeals to someone's weaknesses, desires, or lower tastes, often for personal gain.
