kowtow
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.
the act of kowtowing.
Origin of kowtow
1- Sometimes ko·tow [koh-tou, -tou] /ˈkoʊˈtaʊ, -ˌtaʊ/ .
Other words from kowtow
- kowtower, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use kowtow in a sentence
For foreign businesses, self-censorship and kowtowing to the CCP is common in China.
In kowtowing to pressure from abortion activists, the Democrats have created a significant problem for themselves in 2012.
Catholic Vote in 2012: Why Either Political Party Could Win It | Deal W. Hudson, Matt Smith | December 10, 2011 | THE DAILY BEASTWhen President Obama delayed his meeting with the Dalai Lama last October, his opponents accused him of kowtowing to China.
And all the young professors kowtowing, and the nice undergraduates to dance with—and what a wonderful place to live!
Kildares of Storm | Eleanor Mercein KellyIt was a relief to get back into action, even if it meant putting up with the kowtowing I always got.
The Man Who Played to Lose | Laurence Mark Janifer
Kowtowing to them Portuguese because a few folks that's sorry for them have made them presents.
The Best Short Stories of 1919 | VariousI won't have you fighting with buyers, taking their insults, kowtowing to them, salving them.
Roast Beef, Medium | Edna FerberThe boatman shook with fear, and, kowtowing before Ping Wang, groaned aloud.
Chatterbox, 1905. | Various
British Dictionary definitions for kowtow
/ (ˌkaʊˈtaʊ) /
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)
the act of kowtowing
Origin of kowtow
1Derived forms of kowtow
- kowtower, noun
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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