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kowtow
[ kou-tou, -tou, koh- ]
/ ˈkaʊˈtaʊ, -ˌtaʊ, ˈkoʊ- /
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verb (used without object)
to act in an obsequious manner; show servile deference.
to touch the forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, reverence, apology, etc., especially in former Chinese custom.
noun
the act of kowtowing.
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Sometimes ko·tow [koh-tou, -tou] /ˈkoʊˈtaʊ, -ˌtaʊ/ .
Origin of kowtow
First recorded in 1795–1805, kowtow is from the Chinese word kòutóu, literally, “knock (one's) head”
OTHER WORDS FROM kowtow
kowtower, nounWords nearby kowtow
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use kowtow in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for kowtow
kowtow
/ (ˌkaʊˈtaʊ) /
verb (intr)
to touch the forehead to the ground as a sign of deference: a former Chinese custom
(often foll by to) to be servile or obsequious (towards)
noun
the act of kowtowing
Derived forms of kowtow
kowtower, nounWord Origin for kowtow
C19: from Chinese k'o t'ou, from k'o to strike, knock + t'ou head
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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