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Kowtow

/ˈkaʊˌtaʊ/

The act of kowtowing.

📖 Definitions of "Kowtow"

noun
  1. 1

    The act of kowtowing.

verb
  1. 1

    To grovel, act in a very submissive manner.

  2. 2

    To kneel and bow low enough to touch one’s forehead to the ground.

  3. 3

    To bow very deeply.

🔄 Synonyms of "Kowtow"

8 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

WordDefinition
fawnnounA young deer.
scrapeverb(ambitransitive) To draw (an object, especially a sharp or angular one), along (something) while exerting pressure.
toadynounA sycophant who flatters others to gain personal advantage, or an obsequious, servile lackey or minion.
genuflectverb(intransitive) To briefly enter a position that touches one knee to the ground in a manner that is typically associated with formal homage or religious worship.
bootlicknoun(transitive, derogatory) To seek favor from by fawning, servile behavior.
trucklenoun(intransitive) To act in a submissive manner; to fawn, submit to a superior.
suck upverb(slang, often followed by to) To adulate or flatter (someone) excessively, generally to obtain some personal benefit or favour.
kotownounAlternative spelling of kowtow. [(historical) To kneel and bow low enough to touch one’s forehead to the ground.]

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Kowtow"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

WordDefinition
kotownounAlternative spelling of kowtow. [(historical) To kneel and bow low enough to touch one’s forehead to the ground.]
genuflectverb(intransitive) To briefly enter a position that touches one knee to the ground in a manner that is typically associated with formal homage or religious worship.
scrapeverb(ambitransitive) To draw (an object, especially a sharp or angular one), along (something) while exerting pressure.
bootlicknoun(transitive, derogatory) To seek favor from by fawning, servile behavior.
toadynounA sycophant who flatters others to gain personal advantage, or an obsequious, servile lackey or minion.
suck upverb(slang, often followed by to) To adulate or flatter (someone) excessively, generally to obtain some personal benefit or favour.
trucklenoun(intransitive) To act in a submissive manner; to fawn, submit to a superior.
fawnnounA young deer.
kotoonounObsolete form of kowtow. [The act of kowtowing.]
snoolnoun(UK, dialect, archaic) An abject, cowardly person who submits tamely to others.
bemowverb(transitive, obsolete) To mock or mock at, especially with grimaces.
pulenounA plaintive melancholy whine.
suckholenoun(slang, derogatory) A sycophant, gratuitous pleaser.
wrawlverb(obsolete, intransitive) To cry like a cat; to waul.
whimpernounA low intermittent sob.
gawknounA fool; a simpleton; a stupid or clumsy person.
gowknounA fool.
waulnounTo wail, to cry plaintively.
carnynoun(informal, countable) A person who works in a carnival (often one who uses exaggerated showmanship or fraud).
lickspittlenounA fawning toady; a base sycophant.

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