kowtow
Americanverb (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
verb
-
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
Other Word Forms
- kowtower noun
Etymology
Origin of kowtow
First recorded in 1795–1805, kowtow is from the Chinese word kòutóu, literally, “knock (one's) head”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Those early signs of kowtowing were bad indicators that the members of Youngstown State University’s faculty union just couldn’t get behind.
From Salon
"A kowtowing of the East towards the West is not a rising East."
From BBC
It will not want to be seen kowtowing to Washington.
From BBC
Next, is kowtowing, accommodating and acquiescing to the whims and ego of that aging superstar or find yourself gone before your tenure is up.
From Los Angeles Times
“They kowtowed to this apparent superstar with poor results.”
From Seattle Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
