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

Derived Forms

• ˌgenuˈflection, noun
• ˈgenuˌflector, noun

Other Words From

• genu·flector noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of genuflect¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From The Daily Beast

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg