kowtow in English dictionary

  • kowtow

    Meanings and definitions of "kowtow"

    • (intransitive) To kneel and bow low enough to touch one’s forehead to the ground.
    • (intransitive) To bow very deeply.
    • (intransitive, figuratively) To act in a very submissive manner.
    • The act of kowtowing.
    • noun
      The act of kowtowing.
    • verb
      (intransitive)
      To kneel and bow low enough to touch one’s forehead to the ground.
    • verb
      (intransitive)
      To bow very deeply.
    • verb
      (intransitive, figuratively)
      To act in a very submissive manner.
    • kneel such that forehead touches ground
    • bow deeply
    • act submissive
    • kowtowing
    • To kneel and bow so low as to touch one’s forehead to the ground in expression of respect, worship, or submission.
    • kowtow (bow made from a kneeling position wherein the forehead touches the ground)
    • An act of respect common in Imperial China which consists of kneeling down and bowing so low as to touch the head to the ground.
    • noun
      a former Chinese custom of touching the ground with the forehead as a sign of respect or submission
    • verb
      bend the knees and bow in a servile manner
    • verb
      try to gain favor by cringing or flattering; "He is always kowtowing to his boss"

    Synonyms of "kowtow" in English dictionary

    bowing, kotow, flatter are the top synonyms of "kowtow" in the English thesaurus.

    Grammar and declension of kowtow

    • kowtow ( third-person singular simple present kowtows, present participle kowtowing, simple past and past participle kowtowed)
    • kowtow ( plural  kowtows)
    • kowtow (plural kowtows)
    • kowtow (third-person singular simple present kowtows, present participle kowtowing, simple past and past participle kowtowed)

Sample sentences with "kowtow"

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