kneel

[neel]

verb (used without object)

knelt, kneeled, kneeling. 

1. to go down or rest on the knees or a knee.

noun

1. the action or position of kneeling.

kneel

/ niːl /

verb

1. (intr) to rest, fall, or support oneself on one's knees

noun

1. the act or position of kneeling

Other Word Forms

• kneelingly adverb
• unkneeling adjective
• kneeler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of kneel¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English knelen, Old English cnēowlian (cognate with Low German knelen, Dutch knielen ). See knee, -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of kneel¹

Old English cnēowlian; see _knee

Example Sentences

Floyd, a black man, had been killed by a police officer who knelt on his neck in May that year, sparking global outcry.

From BBC

He could hardly breathe, he said, as officers knelt on his back and neck.

From Los Angeles Times

On the other hand, upon hearing the verdict, Crawford knelt in the ring before raising his arms to celebrate the victory.

From Los Angeles Times

"David knelt down in front of me and just looked at me. I didn't believe them. I didn't want to believe them," she said.

From BBC

American soldiers knelt to literally roll out the red carpet for him.

From BBC

Related Words

• bow