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kow·tow
 kowtow
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- 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
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| 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
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| related words: |
prostrate, salute |
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| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition: |
an act of kowtowing.
- similar words:
- bow, deference, obeisance, salaam
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| related words: |
homage |
| derivation: |
kowtower (n.) |
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