adulate

[ aj-uh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ad·u·lat·ed, ad·u·lat·ing.

1. to show excessive admiration or devotion to; flatter or admire servilely.

adulate

/ ˈædjʊˌleɪt /

verb

1. tr to flatter or praise obsequiously

Derived Forms

• ˈaduˌlator, noun

Other Words From

• adu·lation noun
• adu·lator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of adulate¹

First recorded in 1770–80; back formation from adulation

Word History and Origins

Origin of adulate¹

C17: back formation from C15 adulation, from Latin adūlāri to flatter

Example Sentences

Calumniate a human being in youth—adulate that being in age;—what has been the interval?

From Project Gutenberg

It is true, people are permitted to adulate slavery—so they are allowed to adulate kings, where kings reign.

From Project Gutenberg

She whom such songs were meant to adulate or win, frequently was the wife of the Troubadours lord.

From Project Gutenberg