sponsor

UK: ˈspɒnsə | US: ˈspɑːnsər

Definition
  1. n. a person or organization that provides financial or other support for an event, activity, or person

  2. vt. to provide financial or other support for an event, activity, or person

Structure
spon <promise, pledge (from Latin *spondere*)>sor <agent noun suffix (from Latin *-or*)>
Etymology

The word "sponsor" originates from Latin sponsus, the past participle of spondere ("to promise, pledge"). In ancient Rome, a sponsor was someone who gave a formal guarantee or took responsibility for another’s obligations. Over time, the term evolved to denote financial or organizational support, reflecting the modern sense of backing an event or individual. The suffix -or marks the agent (one who performs the action), preserving the original Latin structure.

Examples
  1. The company agreed to sponsor the local sports team.

  2. She secured a sponsor for her charity marathon.

  3. The event’s primary sponsor withdrew at the last minute.

  4. Many artists rely on patrons to sponsor their work.

  5. The university sponsors research projects in renewable energy.