genuflect

American  

[jen-yoo-flekt] / ˈdʒɛn yʊˌflɛkt /

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.

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genuflect British  

/ 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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Other Word Forms

• genuflection noun
• genuflector noun

Etymology

Origin of genuflect

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

Example Sentences

Shows like “Top Chef” teach us to genuflect at the altars of celebrity culinarians, viewing their restaurants and signature dishes as luxury experiences as opposed to showing regular folks how to think innovatively about dinner.

From Salon • Jan. 30, 2026

Turn off your cellphones and get ready to genuflect because Patti LuPone, musical theater royalty, is heading to the Hollywood Bowl on July 30 for a one-night tribute to Sondheim.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2023

“Instead, the faithful are requested to genuflect or make a profound bow as they venerate the cross,” said Archbishop Romulo Valles, who heads the bishops’ conference.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 26, 2020

The restaurant is lined with press clippings, and toward the back, you can genuflect before a shrine to past candidates and ex-presidents.

From Washington Post • Jan. 16, 2020

I remained silent and remembered to genuflect exactly on cue.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez