kowtow

Sometimes ko·tow

[kou-tou, -tou, koh-]

verb (used without object)

1. to act in an obsequious manner; show servile deference.

2. to touch the forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, reverence, apology, etc., especially in former Chinese custom.

noun

1. the act of kowtowing.

kowtow

/ ˌkaʊˈtaʊ /

verb

1. to touch the forehead to the ground as a sign of deference: a former Chinese custom

2. (often foll by to) to be servile or obsequious (towards)

noun

1. the act of kowtowing

Other Word Forms

• kowtower noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of kowtow¹

First recorded in 1795–1805, kowtow is from the Chinese word kòutóu, literally, “knock (one's) head”

Word History and Origins

Origin of kowtow¹

C19: from Chinese k'o t'ou, from k'o to strike, knock + t'ou head

Example Sentences

"This is really signalling to the world, especially the United States, that China needs to be respected, that it will not kowtow or give too many political or economic concessions."

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“The impression that the Hichilema administration is kowtowing to foreign interests gives the opposition something to sink their teeth into at a time when it needs to regain the ascendancy and mount a serious challenge.”

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Harrison rejected the idea of passing legislation as a metric of effectiveness — arguing instead that a lawmaker’s ability to do so was simply a reflection of kowtowing to the “uniparty” leadership.

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A bunch of quisling Republicans kowtowing to their aging fascist leader may seem less scary in comparison.

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"Putin doesn't need to be in our state, much less our country. We have an idiot in the White House that will kowtow to this guy."

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Related Words

• cave in 
• genuflect 
• pander