/ ˈspɒnsə(r); NAmE ˈspɑːn-/ 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.
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
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
SYN godparent
■ 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 swim
[also vn to inf ]
4.
[ vn ] to support sb by paying for their training or education :
She found a company to sponsor her through college.
5.
[ vn ] to introduce a proposal for a new law, etc. :
The bill was sponsored by a Labour MP.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent. (as a noun): from Latin , from spondere promise solemnly. The verb dates from the late 19th cent.