sponsor

/ˈspɑnsər/

/ˈspɒnsər/

Other forms: sponsored; sponsors; sponsoring

A sponsor provides support for someone or something, typically by supplying cash. Because your company is a sponsor for a homeless organization, they provide funding for the annual 5K run to raise money for the shelter.

The word sponsor stems from the Latin word spondre, meaning "give assurance, promise solemnly." A sponsor might support an important issue such as cancer research or education, or a sponsor might take responsibility for someone. You might be your brother's sponsor so he can join your exclusive chess group. Sponsor has a verb form to describe the action of supporting or leading something. You can sponsor a nonprofit arts organization by donating and participating on the board.

Definitions of sponsor

1. noun

   an advocate who presents a person (as for an award or a degree or an introduction etc.)
   synonyms: presenter

   type of:

   advocate, advocator, exponent, proponent

   a person who pleads for a person, cause, or idea
2. noun

   someone who supports or champions something
   synonyms: patron, supporter

   types:

   angel, backer

   invests in a theatrical production

   godfather

   someone having a relation analogous to that of a male sponsor to his godchild

   godparent

   a person who sponsors someone (the godchild) at baptism

   guarantor, surety, warranter, warrantor

   one who promises to pay back a borrower's debt if in the event of a default on a loan

   patroness, patronne

   a woman who is a patron or the wife of a patron

   pillar of strength, tower of strength

   a person who can be relied on to give a great deal of support and comfort

   godfather

   any man who serves as a sponsor for a child at baptism

   godmother

   any woman who serves as a sponsor for a child at baptism

   type of:

   benefactor, helper

   a person who helps people or institutions (especially with financial help)
3. verb

   assume sponsorship of
   synonyms: patronise, patronize

   types:

   cosponsor

   sponsor together with another sponsor

   type of:

   support

   support materially or financially
4. verb

   assume responsibility for or leadership of
   “The senator announced that he would sponsor the health care plan”

   type of:

   back up, support

   give moral or psychological support, aid, or courage to
5. verb

   do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
   synonyms: buy at, frequent, patronise, patronize, shop, shop at

   type of:

   back up, support

   give moral or psychological support, aid, or courage to