bootlick

[boot-lik]

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verb (used with object)

to seek the favor or goodwill of in a servile, degraded way; toady to.

verb (used without object)

to be a toady.

Origin of bootlick

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; boot¹ + lick

Related formsboot·lick·er, noun

Synonyms for bootlick

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1, 2. flatter, fawn; apple-polish.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for bootlicking

fawn, toady, grovel

British Dictionary definitions for bootlicking

bootlick

verb

informal to seek favour by servile or ingratiating behaviour towards (someone, esp someone in authority); toady

Derived Formsbootlicker, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012