genuflect

[jen-yoo-flekt]

See more synonyms for genuflect on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)

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

Origin of genuflect

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

Related formsgen·u·flec·tor, noun

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

Related Words for genuflect

stoop, curtsy, bow

Examples from the Web for genuflect

Contemporary Examples of genuflect

But the essential instinct to genuflect to the ultra-rich is intact.
Michael Tomasky: Weak Man Romney Running for President
Michael Tomasky
January 7, 2012
Yet when it is one of the anointed ratings agencies, there is this sudden need to genuflect.
S&P Goes Tea Party
Zachary Karabell
August 6, 2011
Their mask of brain rot allows them to genuflect in the face of ignorance.
A Great Black Actor Goes Loco
Stanley Crouch
April 10, 2009

Historical Examples of genuflect

It hurt Sophia just to watch her struggle to genuflect before the cardinal.
The Saracen: The Holy War
Robert Shea
If it is a Roman Catholic wedding they genuflect as they reach the chancel.
The Complete Bachelor
Walter Germain
It was well for the people to know when to kneel, when to bow the head, and when to genuflect.
Robert Annys: Poor Priest
Annie Nathan Meyer
Should we not, when we enter the church, genuflect, bend the knee in His honor?
Mary, Help of Christians
Various
"It's customary to genuflect when you enter the Viceroy's presence," said the standing one at last.
Upstarts
L. J. Stecher

British Dictionary definitions for genuflect

genuflect

verb (intr)

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

Derived Formsgenuflection or esp British genuflexion, noungenuflector, noun

Word Origin for genuflect

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

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

Word Origin and History for genuflect

1620s, back-formation from genuflection. Related: Genuflected; genuflecting.