kowtow

[ kou-tou, -tou, koh- ]

verb (used without object)

1. to act in an obsequious manner; show servile deference.
2. to touch the forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, reverence, apology, etc., especially in former Chinese custom.

noun

1. the act of kowtowing.

kowtow

/ ˌkaʊˈtaʊ /

verb

1. to touch the forehead to the ground as a sign of deference: a former Chinese custom
2. often foll by to to be servile or obsequious (towards)

noun

1. the act of kowtowing

Derived Forms

• ˌkowˈtower, noun

Other Words From

• kowtower noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of kowtow¹

First recorded in 1795–1805, kowtow is from the Chinese word kòutóu, literally, “knock (one's) head”

Word History and Origins

Origin of kowtow¹

C19: from Chinese k'o t'ou, from k'o to strike, knock + t'ou head

Example Sentences

And, of course, all these people had to kowtow and sell to Saatchi.

From The Daily Beast

If President Obama wants to kowtow more to "the markets" (Wall Street), he might appoint someone like Summers or Rubin.

From The Daily Beast

He likes to remind people that he supports abortion rights and does not kowtow to the fire-breathers in the Republican ranks.

From The Daily Beast

At certain points, the legislative kowtow went over the top.

From The Daily Beast

Make the flag of the free so well known and respected that everywhere peopled kowtow to the same and take off their hats.

From Project Gutenberg

After a great deal of kowtow, they were planted in two chairs opposite each other in the living-room.

From Project Gutenberg

As he declined to kowtow before the emperor, he was not admitted to the imperial presence and the mission proved 199 abortive.

From Project Gutenberg

To the emperor, the “kowtow” is performed by kneeling three times, each act accompanied by touching the ground with the forehead.

From Project Gutenberg

And yet he did not move—he made no movement save to kowtow for mercy with his head.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cave in
• genuflect
• pander