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kowtow

kow·tow

kowtow

 
pronunciation:
kaU taU [or] kaU taU
parts of speech:
intransitive verb, noun
features:
Word Combinations (verb)
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: kowtows, kowtowing, kowtowed
definition 1: to show extreme or excessive deference.
He insisted on being valued for the quality of his work and refused to kowtow to the boss.
synonyms:
defer, submit, truckle
similar words:
bend, bootlick, bow, bow and scrape, fawn, genuflect, grovel, stoop, toady
definition 2: to kneel down and place the forehead on the ground as an act of deference, respect, or the like, esp. when done in compliance with Chinese custom.
She dutifully kowtowed before her mother-in-law.
similar words:
bow, crouch, genuflect, kneel, salaam
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: noun
definition: an act of kowtowing.
similar words:
bow, deference, obeisance, salaam
derivation: kowtower (n.)