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View synonyms for kowtow

kowtow

[ 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)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


noun

  1. the act of kowtowing
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌkowˈtower, noun
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Other Words From

  • kowtower noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of kowtow1

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

Origin of kowtow1

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

And, of course, all these people had to kowtow and sell to Saatchi.

If President Obama wants to kowtow more to "the markets" (Wall Street), he might appoint someone like Summers or Rubin.

He likes to remind people that he supports abortion rights and does not kowtow to the fire-breathers in the Republican ranks.

At certain points, the legislative kowtow went over the top.

Make the flag of the free so well known and respected that everywhere peopled kowtow to the same and take off their hats.

After a great deal of kowtow, they were planted in two chairs opposite each other in the living-room.

As he declined to kowtow before the emperor, he was not admitted to the imperial presence and the mission proved 199 abortive.

To the emperor, the “kowtow” is performed by kneeling three times, each act accompanied by touching the ground with the forehead.

And yet he did not move—he made no movement save to kowtow for mercy with his head.

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