genuflect

[ jen-yoo-flekt ]

/ ˈdʒɛn yʊˌflɛkt /

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.

RELATED WORDS

stoop, curtsy, bow

Nearby words

genu recurvatum, genu valgum, genu varum, genual, genucubital position, genuflect, genuflection, genuine, genupectoral position, genus, genève

Origin of genuflect

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

Related forms

gen·u·flec·tor, noun

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

Examples from the Web for 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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
Should we not, when we enter the church, genuflect, bend the knee in His honor?
Mary, Help of Christians|Various

He does not require a lady to genuflect before him to show her appreciation of a gentlemanly act.
Punchinello, Vol. 1, No. 16, July 16, 1870|Various
"It's customary to genuflect when you enter the Viceroy's presence," said the standing one at last.
Upstarts|L. J. Stecher
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

British Dictionary definitions for genuflect

genuflect

/ (ˈdʒɛnjʊˌflɛkt) /

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 Forms

genuflection 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