grovel

[ gruhv-uhl, grov- ]

verb (used without object)

, grov·eled, grov·el·ing or (especially British) grov·elled, grov·el·ling.

1. to humble oneself or act in an abject manner, as in great fear or utter servility.

   Synonyms: pander, kowtow, fawn, toady, truckle

2. to lie or crawl with the face downward and the body prostrate, especially in abject humility, fear, etc.
3. to take pleasure in mean or base things.

grovel

/ ˈɡrɒvəl /

verb

1. to humble or abase oneself, as in making apologies or showing respect
2. to lie or crawl face downwards, as in fear or humility
3. often foll by in to indulge or take pleasure (in sensuality or vice)

Derived Forms

• ˈgroveller, noun
• ˈgrovellingly, adverb
• ˈgrovelling, nounadjective

Other Words From

• grovel·er especially British, grovel·ler noun
• grovel·ing·ly especially British, grovel·ling·ly adverb
• un·grovel·ing adjective
• un·grovel·ling adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of grovel¹

1585–95; back formation from obsolete groveling (adv.), equivalent to obsolete grufe face down (< Old Norse ā grūfu face down) + -ling ², taken to be present participle

Word History and Origins

Origin of grovel¹

C16: back formation from obsolete groveling (adv), from Middle English on grufe on the face, of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse ā grūfu, from grūfa prone position; see -ling ²

Example Sentences

I found the island’s one pier, paddled out, and proceeded to grovel for two-foot waves.

From Outside Online

A 17th-century astronomer and naturalist, Giovanni Battista Hodierna, thought snakes used their tongues for “picking the dirt out of their noses … since they are always grovelling on the ground.”

From Popular-Science

I love watching Washington partisans grovel, backpedal, and spin.

From The Daily Beast

Would-be partners had to grovel for deals and were only accepted on onerous terms, they said.

From The Daily Beast

We need not grovel in the sinks and cellars, neither need we ruminate upon the house-tops.

From Project Gutenberg

Behind the back of Monsieur P—— they grouch; before his face they grovel.

From Project Gutenberg

Nay, I would ask her forgiveness and grovel before her, if she would only let me enjoy her love again.

From Project Gutenberg

Then the two ladies who looked beheld Houdaine fall down at the feet of Sir Tristram and grovel there with joy.

From Project Gutenberg

Mahmud tried to grovel at the captains feet, wailing to Allah and the Prophet.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• beseech
• fawn