kowtow
[ kou-tou, -tou, koh- ]
/ ˈkaʊˈtaʊ, -ˌtaʊ, ˈkoʊ- /
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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Nearby words
Also kotow.
Origin of kowtow
First recorded in 1795–1805, kowtow is from the Chinese word kòutóu literally, knock (one's) head
Related formskow·tow·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for kowtow
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 Formskowtower, noun
Word 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
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for kowtow
kowtow
also kow-tow, 1804, from Chinese k'o-t'ou custom of touching the ground with the forehead to show respect or submission, literally "knock the head," from k'o "knock, bump" + t'ou "head." The verb in the figurative sense of "act in an obsequious manner" is from 1826. Related: Kowtowed; kowtowing.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper