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View synonyms for genuflect

genuflect

[ jen-yoo-flekt ]

verb (used without object)

  1. to bend the knee or touch one knee to the floor in reverence or worship.
  2. to express a servile attitude.


genuflect

/ ˈdʒɛnjʊˌflɛkt /

verb

  1. to act in a servile or deferential manner
  2. RC Church to bend one or both knees as a sign of reverence, esp when passing before the Blessed Sacrament


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Derived Forms

  • ˌgenuˈflection, noun
  • ˈgenuˌflector, noun

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Other Words From

  • genu·flector noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of genuflect1

1620–30; < Medieval Latin genūflectere to bend the knee, equivalent to Latin genū-, stem of genu knee + flectere to bend

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Word History and Origins

Origin of genuflect1

C17: from Medieval Latin genūflectere, from Latin genu knee + flectere to bend

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Example Sentences

But the essential instinct to genuflect to the ultra-rich is intact.

Yet when it is one of the anointed ratings agencies, there is this sudden need to genuflect.

Their mask of brain rot allows them to genuflect in the face of ignorance.

If it is a Roman Catholic wedding they genuflect as they reach the chancel.

"It's customary to genuflect when you enter the Viceroy's presence," said the standing one at last.

It was well for the people to know when to kneel, when to bow the head, and when to genuflect.

Should we not, when we enter the church, genuflect, bend the knee in His honor?

It hurt Sophia just to watch her struggle to genuflect before the cardinal.

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genugenuflection