matronize

English

Alternative forms

• matronise

Etymology

From matron +‎ -ize.

Verb

matronize (third-person singular simple present matronizes, present participle matronizing, simple past and past participle matronized)

1. (transitive) To make a matron of; to make matron-like.
   • 1741-1755, Samuel Richardson, The Familiar Letters

     Childbed matronizes the giddiest spirits.

2. (transitive) To act the part of a matron toward; to superintend or chaperone.

   to matronize an assembly

3. (transitive, sometimes derogatory) To criticize from a feminist perspective.

   to matronize female artists for sexploitation

4. (transitive, sometimes derogatory) Of a woman: to patronize or be condescending towards.