genuflection
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of genuflection
First recorded in 1520–30, genuflection is from the Medieval Latin word genūflexiōn- (stem of genūflexiō ). See genuflect, -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He saw the tribal genuflection as “an empty, performative act” that implied “UW’s presence is somehow illegitimate, shameful, morally wrong.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025
At earlier hearings, university presidents opted for strategies of conciliatory genuflection or drab, lawyerly answers.
From New York Times • May 9, 2024
But Adam didn’t do rhyme and meter, for one thing — too much like mandatory genuflection in church, he once remarked.
From Washington Post • Feb. 23, 2023
Pay close attention to appreciate the artful genuflection to classics like “Excalibur.”
From Salon • May 21, 2021
So much Percy saw as he performed the first genuflection.
From Lord of the World by Benson, Robert Hugh
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
